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1606.18 TDGC Agenda 15 November 2018 LH

I hereby give notice that an Extraordinary meeting of the

Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

will be held on:

Date: Thursday 15 November 2018

Time: 2.00pm

Venue: Lake Waikare Centre, Taharoa Domain

Open Agenda

Membership

Chair: Ric Parore

Members: Alan Nesbit, Councillor Karen Joyce-Paki and Councillor Andrew Wade

Staff and Associates:

Parks and Recreation Manager, Financial Services Manager, Policy Planner, Policy Analyst,

Governance Advisor (Minute-taker)

Jason Marris

General Manager Governance, Strategy and Democracy

1606.18 TDGC Agenda 15 November 2018

LH

Contents

Page

1 Opening

1.1 Karakia 1

1.2 Present 1

1.3 Apologies 1

1.4 Confirmation of Agenda 1

1.5 Conflict of Interest Declaration 1

2 Deputations and Presentations 1

3 Confirmation of Minutes 2

3.1 Taharoa Domain Governance Committee minutes 16 August 2018 3

4 Decision 11

4.1 Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (Draft) and associated Statement of Proposal -

recommend to Council to adopt for public consultation - update

13

5 Information 43

5.1 Taharoa Domain Operations Update: May 2018 to June 2018 45

5.2 Financial report for the four month period ending 31 October 2018 65

5.3 Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group update 69

Closure 97


LH

Extraordinary meeting of Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

Thursday 15 November 2018

1 Opening

1.1 Karakia

1.2 Present

1.3 Apologies

1.4 Confirmation of Agenda

The Committee to confirm the Agenda.

1.5 Conflict of Interest Declaration

Committee Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from

decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as a Committee Member/Councillor

and any private or other external interest they might have. It is also considered best practice for

those members of the Executive Team attending the meeting to also signal any conflicts that

they may have with an item before the Committee.

2 Deputations and Presentations

1


LH

3 Confirmation of Minutes

3.1 Taharoa Domain Governance Committee minutes 16 August 2018

General Manager Governance, Strategy and Democracy 1606.17

Recommended

That the minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

held on 16 August 2018 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

2

1606.18 TDGC Minutes 16 August 2018 EO unconfirmed LH:yh (unc)


Extraordinary meeting held

Date Thursday 16 August 2018

Time Meeting commenced at 2.03pm

Meeting concluded at 4.18pm

Venue Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall, Dargaville

Status Unconfirmed

Minutes

Membership

Chair: Councillor Andrew Wade

Members: Messrs Alan Nesbit and Ric Parore

Councillor Karen Joyce-Paki

Staff and Associates:

Parks and Recreation Manager, Financial Services Manager, Policy Planner,

Governance Advisor (Minute-taker)

Jason Marris

General Manager Governance, Strategy and Democracy

3

2 Unconfirmed TDGC minutes 16 August 2018, Dargaville

1606.18 TDGC Minutes 16 August 2018 EO unconfirmed

LH:yh (unc)

Contents

1 Opening .................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Karakia ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Present ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Apologies .................................................................................................................................. 3

1.4 Confirmation of Agenda ............................................................................................................ 3

1.5 Conflict of Interest Declaration .................................................................................................. 3

2 Deputations and Presentations ............................................................................................. 3

2.1 Leon Parore, Provincial Growth Fund ....................................................................................... 3

3 Confirmation of Minutes ......................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Taharoa Domain Governance Committee minutes 10 May 2018 ............................................ 4

4 Governance ............................................................................................................................. 4

4.1 Rotation of Chair 2018 .............................................................................................................. 4

5 Decision ................................................................................................................................... 5

5.1 Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (Draft) and associated Statement of Proposal - recommend to

Council to adopt for public consultation .................................................................................... 5

5.2 Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw for Kai Iwi Lakes 2017 - Formal

revocation of Taharoa Domain Governance Committee 08 February 2018 resolution ............ 5

6 Information .............................................................................................................................. 6

6.1 Taharoa Domain Operations Update: May 2018 to July 2018 ................................................. 6

6.2 Financial report for 12-month period ending 30 June 2018 ...................................................... 6

6.3 Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group update .................................................... 6

6.4 Alcohol Control Information ....................................................................................................... 7

Closure ................................................................................................................................................... 7

4



LH:yh (unc)

Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

Thursday 16 August 2018, Dargaville

1 Opening

Chair Andrew Wade, in consultation with the Acting Chief Executive Curt Martin, cancelled the

08 August 2018 meeting of the Committee due to a district event (Kaipara District Council

Standing Orders 8.13). Subsequently, Mayor Jason Smith called for this Extraordinary meeting of

the Committee to be held on 16 August 2018 (Kaipara District Council Standing Orders 8.3 and

Local Government Act 2002, Schedule 7, Clause 22).

1.1 Karakia

Iwi Relations Manager opened the meeting with a karakia.

1.2 Present

Councillors Andrew Wade (Chair) and Karen Joyce-Paki, Messrs Alan Nesbit and Ric Parore

In attendance Designation Item(s)

Donnick Mugutso Acting General Manager Infrastructure All

Hamish Watson Parks and Recreation Manager All

Andrew Howells Domain Manager All

Layne Wadsworth Parks Contractor All

Kathie Fletcher Policy Manager All

Paula Hansen Policy Planner All

Mark Schreurs Policy Analyst All

Francis Toko Iwi Relations Manager All

Markus Schwarzer Financial Services Manager 1—6.2

Lisa Hong Governance Advisor All (minute-taker)

1.3 Apologies

Nil.

1.4 Confirmation of Agenda

Moved Parore/Nesbit

The Committee confirmed the Agenda.

Carried

1.5 Conflict of Interest Declaration

Nil.

2 Deputations and Presentations

2.1 Leon Parore, Provincial Growth Fund

Leon Parore spoke in the public forum.

5



LH:yh (unc)

3 Confirmation of Minutes

3.1 Taharoa Domain Governance Committee minutes 10 May 2018

General Manager Governance, Strategy and Democracy 1606.17

Moved Joyce-Paki/Nesbit

That the minutes of the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee meeting on 10 May 2018 be

confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

4 Governance

4.1 Rotation of Chair 2018

Governance Advisor 4702.24.02

Motion 1 Joyce-Paki/Wade

[Secretarial Note: Motion 1 and Motion 2 to be read in conjunction with each other.)

That the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee:

1 Receives the Governance Advisor’s report ‘Rotation of Chair 2018’ dated 27 July 2018 and

its attachment; and

2 Believes it has complied with the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act

2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with the

provision of s79 of the Act determines that it does not require further information prior to

making a decision on this matter; and

3 Notes the new Taharoa Domain Governance Committee Terms of Reference as adopted

by Council on 26 June 2018 (circulated as Attachment 1 to the aforementioned report); and

4 Adopts voting system B and agrees that in the event of a tie the candidate elected shall be

resolved by lot.

Carried

Motion 2 Nebit/Joyce-Paki

5 Elects Ric Parore as Chair of the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee, until another

Chair is elected at the first meeting of the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee after

01 July 2019.

Carried

[Secretarial Note: At the request of Ric Parore, Councillor Andrew Wade consented to resume

the role of Chair for the remainder of this meeting.]

6



LH:yh (unc)

5 Decision

5.1 Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (Draft) and associated Statement of Proposal - recommend

to Council to adopt for public consultation

Policy Planner 3216.0

Moved Nesbit/Wade


1 Receives the Policy Planner’s report ‘Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (Draft) and associated

Statement of Proposal – recommend to Council to adopt for public consultation’ dated

27 July 2018 and its attachments; and

2 Believes it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local Government Act




3 Determines that the proposed bylaw is required and is the most appropriate way of

addressing the perceived problem and is the most appropriate form of bylaw; and

4 Recognises that Council’s legal obligations under the Reserves Act to protect Ecological

Values and to provide Recreational Safety for the users of Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi

are met; and

5 Recommends to Kaipara District Council to adopt the Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (draft)

and associated Statement of Proposal for public consultation, both documents circulated

as Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 of the aforementioned report.

Carried

5.2 Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw for Kai Iwi Lakes 2017 - Formal

revocation of Taharoa Domain Governance Committee 08 February 2018 resolution

Governance Advisor 4702.24.02

Moved Joyce-Paki/Parore


1 Receives the Governance Advisor’s report ‘Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety

Bylaw for Kai Iwi Lakes 2017 - Formal revocation of Taharoa Domain Governance

Committee 08 February 2018 resolution’ dated 27 July 2018; and





7



LH:yh (unc)

3 Revokes the decision that the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee ‘[i]nstructs Kaipara

District Council staff to make a submission to the Northland Regional Council’s Navigation

Safety Bylaw for Kai Iwi Lakes 2017 advocating for 200 metre speed restrictions’.

Carried

6 Information

6.1 Taharoa Domain Operations Update: May 2018 to July 2018

Parks and Recreation Manager 4702.24.02.02

Moved Nesbit/Parore

That the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee receives the Parks and Recreation Manager’s

report ‘Taharoa Domain Operations Update: May 2018-July 2018’ dated 02 August 2018 and

Attachments 1 and 2, and the information contained therein.

Carried

6.2 Financial report for 12-month period ending 30 June 2018

Financial Services Manager 4702.24.02.01

Moved Joyce-Paki/Parore

That the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee receives the Financial Services Manager’s

report ‘Financial report for 12-month period ending 30 June 2018’ and the information contained

therein.

Carried

6.3 Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group update

Policy Analyst 4702.24.05

Moved Joyce-Paki/Nesbit

That the Taharoa Doman Governance Committee:

1 Receives the Policy Analyst’s report ‘Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group

update’ dated 30 July 2018; and





3 Receives the information in the above-mentioned report giving an update on the work of

the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group and its members; and

8



LH:yh (unc)

4 Directs the Chief Executive to report back to the Committee with a research protocol,

including:

conflict of interest and external organisations;

clear Committee approval process;

monitoring and reporting strategy;

potentially intrusive research techniques;

alternative funding for the trout diet study;

Terms of Reference for the Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group; and

research programme, update on current projects, and funding streams.

Carried

6.4 Alcohol Control Information

Policy Planner 3216/2018 Bylaw

Moved Joyce-Paki/Wade


1 Receives the Policy Planner’s report ‘Alcohol Control Information’ dated 23 July 2018 and

the information contained therein; and

2 Directs the Chief Executive to investigate using the Lake Waikare Centre for cultural and

educational purposes.

Carried

Closure

Iwi Relations Manager closed the meeting with a karakia.

Meeting closed at 4.18pm.

Confirmed …………………….

Chair …………………….

Kaipara District Council

Dargaville

9


LH

10


LH

4 Decision

11


LH

12

4702.24.06 TDGC 20181115 TDGC Taharoa Domain draft Bylaw and SOP update-rpt

PH:yh (TDGC draft)

File number: 3216.0 Approved for agenda

Report to: Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

Meeting date: 15 November 2018

Subject: Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (Draft) and associated Statement of Proposal

- recommend to Council to adopt for public consultation - update

Date of report: 01 November 2018

From: Paula Hansen, Policy Planner

Report purpose Decision Information

Assessment of significance Significant Non-significant

Summary

This report is to provide an update to the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee (the Committee) on

progress of the proposed Taharoa Domain Bylaw.

A draft Bylaw and Statement of Proposal were resolved to be recommended to the Council for public

consultation at the August 2018 Committee meeting. Feedback on these documents have been received

by Elected Members through a Council briefing and Elected Members have provided some feedback.

Additionally, the proposed bylaw has also undergone a legal review. The results of the legal review and

Elected Member feedback has resulted in some minor changes to the bylaw and Statement of Proposal

(SOP). The changes do not take away from the original intent of the bylaw presented at the August 2018

Committee meeting, rather they seek to provide clarity that supports what is trying to be achieved.

Attachments 1 and 2 of this report contain the draft Taharoa Domain Bylaw and accompanying SOP

showing where changes have been made and the reason for those changes. A consultation and

engagement plan has been included for information, Attachment 3.

While the Committee does not have the authority to put in place a bylaw, they can recommend to Council

the need for one. If Council agrees, then Council can adopt a draft bylaw and associated SOP, to

undergo a public consultation process.

The Local Government Act 2002 sets out the consultation process which is to be undertaken and

decision-making process (s79-83). It is considered that the proposed bylaw will be of significant interest

to the public (s76AA). This means that the Special Consultative Procedure (as modified by s86) should

be used.

A consultation process will be undertaken if Council approves the need for a bylaw over the months of

December 2018 and January 2019.

Recommendation


1 Receives the Policy Planner’s report ‘Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (Draft) and associated

Statement of Proposal – recommend to Council to adopt for public consultation update’ dated

01 November 2018; and

13

2

3216.0 TDGC 20181115 TDGC Taharoa Domain draft Bylaw and SOP update-rpt

PH:yh (TDGC draft)

2 Believes it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002

to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with the provision of s79

of the Act determines that it does not require further information prior to making a decision on

this matter; and

3 Determines that the proposed bylaw (circulated as Attachment 1 of the aforementioned report)

is required and is the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived problem and is the

most appropriate form of bylaw; and

4 Recognises that Council’s legal obligations under the Reserves Act to protect Ecological Values

and to provide Recreational Safety for the users of Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi are met; and

5 Delegates officers to correct minor typographical errors; and

6 Recommends that Kaipara District Council adopts the Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 (draft) and

associated Statement of Proposal for public consultation as amended, both documents circulated

as Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 of the aforementioned report.

Reason for the recommendation

To implement the management direction provided by the RMP for the Domain. The Committee seeks

Council’s authority to create a bylaw for the Lakes, as best management practice, providing enforcement

if required. Feedback and legal advice has meant that some changes have been made to the draft Bylaw

and SOP presented at the August 2018 Committee meeting.

Reason for the report

This report seeks the Committee to receive and recommend that an amended draft Taharoa Domain

Bylaw 2018 (Draft Bylaw) and associated Statement of Proposal (SOP), be presented to Council, to

adopt and be publically consulted on at the 29 November 2018 Council meeting.

Background

At the Committee’s meeting in August 2018 it was resolved to recommend to Council a proposed Bylaw

and SOP to be adopted for public consultation. This was with a view to put a bylaw in place for the

Taharoa Domain. The draft Bylaw and SOP was put to Elected Members for feedback at a Council

briefing, also a legal review was sought. This has resulted in some wording changes. It is viewed that

these changes do not take away from the original intent of the bylaw. Rather the changes proposed are

to clarify how the bylaw fits with the Northland Regional Council Navigational Bylaw and the Northland

Regional Council (NRC) role in the management of the Lakes with regards biosecurity and to provide

better alignment with legislation.

Factors to consider

Community views

The proposed Draft Bylaw is subject to the Special Consultative Procedure which involves obtaining the

views of the community. Mana Whenua and relevant Iwi representative bodies’ views will need to be

specifically obtained through this process.

14

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PH:yh (TDGC draft)

The proposal will likely be of high public interest and is expected to receive submissions covering a

variety of different views. A specific communications and engagement plan will need to be put in place

to help guide people in terms of the scope of the Draft Bylaw and hence what can be submitted on by

the community. Council will also need to be prepared for potentially negative comments on subject

matter that is related to the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan (RMP) or other

issues associated with the Domain, but are not related to the proposed bylaw. In these cases

submissions will be considered to be out of scope. The consultation could include a day out at the Lakes

to answer any questions people may have. This potentially could be run as a ‘Have your say’ event that

may replace a formal Council hearing process.

Timing of consultation also needs to be considered. Traditionally people are not happy to consult on

Council matters over the summer period and putting a new bylaw in place right before the

Christmas/New Year period may also gather negative responses.

Policy implications

There are other Policy implications, related to the pending Mana Enhancing Agreement (MEA) with

Te Roroa. This bylaw supports sentiments and core values expressed in the MEA. The Draft Bylaw

seeks to give effect to the cultural values alongside ecological values stated within the RMP for Taharoa

Domain, but not alter the RMP. The proposed bylaw is of such significance to warrant a full public

process.

Financial implications

The main financial implications include staff time to implement, monitor and enforce the bylaw should it

be adopted as a final. Efforts should be made to explore the empowerment of kaitiaki from Mana

Whenua and Iwi representative bodies to potentially play a monitoring and education role as part of the

bylaw’s implementation.

Legal/delegation implications

The Reserves Act 1977, the Local Government Act 2002 and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990

have all been considered and no other legal implications have been noted.

Options

There are essentially three options:

Option A: Status Quo - Not have a bylaw;

Option B: Use another management mechanism e.g. use of monitoring and education.

Option C: Have a bylaw that:

1) restricts power-driven vessels on Lakes Waikare and Kai Iwi;

2) addresses inappropriate vehicle movements; and

3) supports biosecurity checks.

Option D: A combination of Options B and C.

Assessment of options

Option A, the status quo, does not provide for enforceable action to be taken nor does it compel people

to do the right thing.

15

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PH:yh (TDGC draft)

Option B, leaves very little enforcement options. Most alternative options, such as a policy, cannot be

enforced, or environmental design could be costly. This may include use of education on activities that

have negative impacts on the Lakes backed up with any monitoring or new research undertaken.

Option C introducing a bylaw will allow for enforcement action to occur in order to protect the

environmental, archaeological and cultural values of the Domain.

Option D provides for a well-rounded approach to the implementation of the RMP. Compliance through

education is considered to be important with monitoring to provide information to help inform future

reviews. Having the legal ability to enforce a bylaw where education and information sharing has not

been sufficient to ensure the outcomes are achieved.

Assessment of significance

The proposed bylaw is considered significant enough to undertake a full public process.

Recommended option

The recommended option is Option D.

Next step

Recommend to Council to adopt the proposed Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 and Statement of Proposal

for public consultation.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Draft Bylaw

Attachment 2 - Statement of Proposal

Attachment 3 – Communication and Engagement Plan

16

TAHAROA DOMAIN BYLAW 2018

KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL TAHAROA DOMAIN BYLAW 2018 PAGE | I


Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018

17


KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL TAHAROA DOMAIN BYLAW 2018 PAGE | II

Contents

1 Title ...............................................................................................................................................................1

2 Application ....................................................................................................................................................1

3 Objectives .....................................................................................................................................................2

4 Commencement ...........................................................................................................................................3

5 Interpretation .................................................................................................................................................3

6 Relationship to other Council bylaws ............................................................................................................4

7 Use of power-driven vessels.........................................................................................................................4

8 Use of boatramps .........................................................................................................................................4

9 Vehicle movements and parking ..................................................................................................................5

10 Powers of Council or any Officer ..............................................................................................................6

11 Specific authorisation under this bylaw ....................................................................................................6

12 Offence and penalty ..................................................................................................................................6

18


KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL TAHAROA DOMAIN BYLAW 2018 PAGE | 1


Pursuant to the Local Government Act 2002 and the Reserves Act 1997, the Kaipara District Council makes the

following bylaw.

1 Title

This bylaw shall be cited and referred to as the Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018.

2 Application

The provisions of this bylaw shall apply to the Taharoa Domain (the Domain) and activities on

Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi which are located within the Domain. Kaipara District Council does not

govern water-based activities on Lake Taharoa as these are governed by the Northland Regional

Council’s Kai Iwi Lakes Navigational Safety Bylaw under jurisdiction of Maritime Transport Act

Enforcement Officers. Kaipara District Council however does govern land-based activities situated

around Lake Taharoa under this bylaw.

Which Council bylaw Lake Types of activities

Northland Regional Council

Navigational Safety Bylaw

(made under the Maritime

Transport Act 1994)

Taharoa Regulates, controls and manages all water

based activities eg navigation matters,

water skiing, boat use etcetera

Kaipara District Council Taharoa

Domain Bylaw (made under the

Reserves Act 1977 and the

Local Government Act 2002)

Taharoa Land based activities that surround the

Lake, including parking, boat ramps and

pre-launching biosecurity checks.

Waikare and Kai Iwi Control of water-based activities eg use of

boats on the water and land-based

activities that surround the Lake, including

parking, boat ramps and pre-launching

biosecurity checks.

Explanatory Note: The Kaipara District Council Bylaw is to complement rather than duplicate the

Northland Regional Council Navigational Bylaw for the Kai Iwi Lakes which is made under the Maritime

Transport Act 1994, as opposed to the Reserves Act 1977.

Relationship of this bylaw with other Council bylaws:

This bylaw does not negate the need to comply with provisions of other relevant Council bylaws. This bylaw

should be read in conjunction with other Council bylaws, particularly Council’s Consolidated General Bylaw

which include rules around fires and litter.

Deleted: This bylaw

Deleted:

Deleted: include

Deleted: it is

Deleted: This bylaw

Deleted:

Deleted:

Deleted: -

Deleted: -

Deleted:

19

https://www.nrc.govt.nz/media/11057/kaiiwilakesnavigationsafetybylaw2017.pdf



3 Objectives

The objectives of this bylaw are:

(a) To protect the cultural, environmental, and social values, of Lake Waikare, Lake Kai Iwi and their

surrounds within the Domain as set out in the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve

Management Plan 2016 (the RMP).

(b) To protect the safety of the recreational users on the Lakes and within the Domain.

(c) To enable Kaipara District Council to implement the policies of the RMP.

(d) To enable Kaipara District Council, as the administrating body of the Domain, to meet its

requirements under the Reserves Act 1977.

(e) To provide for the authorising of boats for safety and research purposes, as per the RMP.

Explanation

The RMP contains aims that have been grouped into Management areas. The objectives relate to:

AIM 1: COLLABORATION: Local Government and tangata whenua will co-govern Kai Iwi lakes and

inspire others to share in its care.

AIM 2: CULTURAL: The relationships of tangata whenua and other peoples, their history, culture and

traditions will be reflected and acknowledged in how Kai Iwi Lakes are developed and cared for.

AIM 3: ENVIRONMENTAL: Completing our knowledge about Kai Iwi Lakes will enable effective

protection and enhancement of its natural environment and pristine waters.

AIM 4: RECREATION: A diverse range of recreational activities which are compatible with the cultural

and ecological values of Kai Iwi Lakes, will be available for all visitors.

AIM 5: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Kai Iwi Lakes will be promoted and developed as an educational,

scientific and tourist destination.

AIM 6: RESOURCES: Kai Iwi Lakes and its promotion will be managed in a way that encourages a

spectrum of resources that support its stewardship.

Each of these aims are supported by their own objectives and actions. The bylaw should not be

inconsistent with these objectives and actions in the RMP.

Explanatory Note: Cultural values are instruments by which Mana Whenua view, interpret and make

sense of the world (Marsden 1988) and are derived from traditional Māori beliefs. The universal values

and beliefs for the Lakes are connected to land, water and air and are essential ingredients of life that

are to be respected, cherished, and sustained. Everything within the cultural perspective has a life force,

called mauri, and any degradation of natural resources is seen to diminish the mauri or life force, and

affect the well-being of all people utilising the Lakes and their surrounds. Traditional Māori values contain

the common Māori belief that all biophysical things including plants, trees, animals and human beings

are supported by values and practices expressed as tapu (sacredness), mana (status), and mauri.

Ongoing governance over and connection to the Lakes and the cultural heritage they hold allows Mana

Deleted:

Deleted:

Deleted:

Commented [PAH1]: Added rest of aims for completeness

Deleted: ,

20



Whenua to uphold these cultural values. SEE Historical Overview (page 3) of the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa

Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016.

4 Commencement

This bylaw comes into force on << Date >> subject to the approval by the Minister of Conservation

pursuant to s108 of the Reserves Act 1988 or on such later date as that approval may be obtained.

5 Interpretation

(1) In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires:

the Act means the Reserves Act 1977.

Council means the Kaipara District Council.

the Domain means the Taharoa Domain.

Ecological values means those values that contribute to the natural ecology of the Lakes

and surrounding Domain and is noted within supporting documentation

to the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016

(RMP).

Environmental Values means the environmental values highlighted within the Kai Iwi Lakes

(Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016 (RMP) and

supporting documentation to this RMP.

Event means an organised temporary activity that takes place on one or more

days including an organised competition, gathering, parade, protest,

multi-venue sports event of a significant scale, fun run, marathon,

duathlon or triathlon. For the purposes of this bylaw, sports practice or

training is not an event.

the Lakes means Lake Taharoa, Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi.

the Reserve Management

Plan OR

the RMP

means the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan

2016 (RMP).

Management operation means an activity considered necessary for the management of the

reserve as determined by Council.

Maritime Enforcement

Officer

means a person appointed as an Enforcement Officer under s33G of

the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

Officer means

a) any ranger or constable; and

b) any officer or employee of the Council who is authorised to exercise

the powers of an Officer under Part 5 of the Act.

Deleted:

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https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/site/kaiparadistrictcouncil/files/pdf/TDGC/TDRMP%202016%20Final%2020092016.pdf



Power-driven vessel means any vessel propelled by machinery.

the Reserve means Taharoa Domain (a recreation reserve subject to the Reserves

Act 1977).

Shore for the purpose of this bylaw means the land between ordinary high- and

low-water marks of the Lakes.

Specifically authorised means permission is provided in writing by an Officer of the Council as

the administrating body of the Reserve. Including any conditions which

they may set.

Vessel means every description of a ship, boat or a craft used in navigation on

the water, whether or not it has any means of propulsion and includes

a:

(a) seaplane while on the surface of the water;

(b) personal watercraft (jet ski);

(c) raft;

(d) paddle craft; or

(e) any board used for board sports.

(2) Explanatory notes are for information only and do not form part of this bylaw.

6 Relationship to other Council bylaws

This bylaw does not negate the need to comply with provisions of other relevant Council bylaws. This

bylaw should be read in conjunction with other Council Bylaws, particularly Council’s Consolidated

General Bylaw which include rules around fires and litter.

7 Use of power-driven vessels

No person may operate a power-driven vessel on Lake Waikare or Lake Kai Iwi unless the power-driven

vessel has been specifically authorised under clause 11 as a:

(a) safety vessel for an event; or

(b) vessel for scientific and research purposes; or

(c) vessel for management operations.

8 Use of boatramps

(1) All power-driven vessels and other vessels that require launching from a trailer must use the boatramp

designated on the Map in Schedule A to enter Lake Taharoa. Power-driven vessels may not enter

Lake Taharoa at any other place.

(2) Use of power-driven vessels entering Lake Waikare is restricted. Power-driven vessels that have been

specifically authorised as a safety vessel for events, or for scientific and research purposes or for

management operations, in accordance with clause 12 below, may only enter the Lake subject to the

following conditions:

22



(a) Only the designated boat ramp at Lake Waikare is used (refer to Map A for boat ramp location);

and

(b) that any directions given by an Officer are followed.

No other power-driven vessels may enter Lake Waikare.

(3) All other vessels may enter Lake Waikare at the designated boat ramp, or at any other place around the

Lake, provided that the vessel does not pose a biosecurity risk and that no vehicle or trailer is driven on

or across the shore (refer to Map A for boat ramp location).

(4) No person shall move any vehicle on any boat ramp at a speed exceeding 5km.

(5) No person shall leave any vessel trailer or motor vehicle on or near any boat ramp so as to obstruct the

safe and reasonable use of the boat ramp by any other person.

(6) No person shall launch and use any boat trailer other than in accordance with the requirements of this

bylaw.

(7) The Taharoa Domain Manager or Council’s Chief Executive may make rules for the use of the boat ramps

at the Taharoa Domain for safety reasons.

(8) An Officer may refuse a vessel or power-driven vessel access to the Lakes if the owner or master refuses

to undertake a biosecurity check upon request.

Explanatory Note: Bio-security checks will be undertaken by the Northland Regional Council, the bylaw

helps facilitate this process and promote the continual health of the Lakes. All vessels or power-driven

vessels may be required to undertake the ‘check, clean and dry’ process to their vessel or power-driven

vessel. Vessels that do not require launching from a boat ramp may still be required to undertake the

’check, clean and dry’ process.

9 Vehicle movements and parking

(1) No vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle, shall be driven on or along the shore except at the

designated boat ramps.

(2) Vehicles must not be driven anywhere in the Reserve other than on a formed road unless:

(a) It is within parking areas shown on the Map in Schedule A of this bylaw; or

(b) Directed by an Officer.

(3) Vehicles can park on any parking area shown on the Map in Schedule A or within dedicated parking areas

in the confines of either of the two camp grounds within the Reserve.

(4) Designated drop-off zones as shown on the Map in Schedule A must be used to drop off people and

equipment or other items. No vehicle (or trailer) shall be parked for more than 10 minutes in any drop-off

zone next to a designated boat ramp.

(5) An Officer may set aside an area for parking, or close a parking area, or declare an area to be a drop-off

zone for the purposes of this bylaw.

(6) An Officer may set aside an appropriate area to allow for biosecurity checks to be undertaken within the

Reserve.

Commented [PAH2]: This is to clarify who will undertake the biosecurity checks and what maybe required if something is found on a vessel or power-driven vessel.

23



10 Powers of Council or any Officer

(1) The Council or any Officer may close a boat ramp from time to time when considered necessary to protect

the ecological values of the Lakes or for reasons of public safety and no person shall at this time use the

boat ramp(s) without the consent of Council or an Officer.

(2) The Council or any Officer may refuse vessel access to the Lakes if the owner or master refuses to

undertake a biosecurity check upon request.

(3) Where any vessel or power-driven vessel (or vessel trailer or motor vehicle) is on the Reserve, or is being

used on the Reserve, in a manner contrary to this bylaw, and the owner or master of such vessel or

vehicle does not comply when requested to do so or cannot be readily located, an Officer may authorise

the removal of the vessel or vehicle to another place of reasonable safety, provided that he or she has

first advised the person in possession (if any) of that vessel or vehicle.

Explanatory Notes: Relevant enforcement powers in Part 5 of the Reserves Act 1977 apply to this

Bylaw. In particular:

Section 93(1) of the Reserves Act states, “Any officer may summarily interfere to prevent any actual or

attempted breach of this Act or of any regulation or bylaw thereunder, and he or she may require any

person found offending to desist from the offence. If any person when so required continues the offence,

he or she commits a further offence against this Act.”

Section 94(2)(b) of Reserves Act authorises an officer to request a person to remove an “illegal” vehicle

or boat from the reserve, and it is an offence to fail or refuse to do so when requested.

In addition, the seizure and impounding provisions in sections 164 to 167 of the Local Government Act

2002 can be used in relation to breaches of this bylaw.

11 Specific authorisation under this bylaw

(1) Specific authorisation under this bylaw is required for the use of a power-driven vessel on Lake Waikare

and Lake Kai Iwi and shall be given only for a safety-vessel for an event, or a vessel for scientific and

research purpose or a vessel for management operations.

(2) Any request for authorisation under this section shall be made in writing to Council at least 20 working

days prior to the event, or when any scientific or management activities are proposed to occur.

(3) Any such authorisation may be subject to such terms and conditions as the Officer giving permission

thinks fit.

12 Offence and penalty

Every person who contravenes this bylaw commits an offence and is liable to the penalty set out in s104

of the Reserves Act 1977.

To be added once approved.

The Bylaw was made by the Kaipara District Council by Special Consultative Procedure and confirmed

at a meeting of Council held on ….

Deleted: environmental or

24



This Bylaw was approved by the Minister of Conservation on … pursuant to Section 108 of the

Reserves Act 1977.

Schedule A – Map

25


LH

26

KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL 2018I


Statement of Proposal


27


KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL PAGE | II 3216.0

SOP Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Bylaw 2018 PH:yh (draft)

Contents

1 Executive summary ......................................................................................................................................1

2 Statutory requirements .................................................................................................................................3

2.1 Reserves Act 1977 ...............................................................................................................................3

2.2 Local Government Act 2002 .................................................................................................................4

3 Reason for proposal .....................................................................................................................................4

4 Current situation ...........................................................................................................................................5

5 Outcomes sought ..........................................................................................................................................5

6 Relevant bylaw determinations .....................................................................................................................5

7 Consultation ..................................................................................................................................................7

8 Draft Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 ..............................................................................................................7

28

STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL TAHAROA DOMAIN BYLAW 2018

KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL PAGE | 1

Statement of Proposal

1 Executive summary

Taharoa Domain is a 538 hectare recreation reserve vested in Kaipara District Council (Council/KDC).

The Domain features three lakes: Lake Taharoa, Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi (the Lakes). The Lakes

are a popular destination for a range of recreational activities and also recognised by NIWA for their

ecological and water quality values. The recreational use of the Lakes is growing and anticipated to

continue to do so. Council, as the administrating body of the reserve, has an obligation under the

Reserves Act 1977 to ensure the management of the reserve reflects the protection of the reserve’s

values.

Kaipara District Council undertook a review of the Taharoa Domain Reserve Management Plan (January

2002) in 2015 and adopted a new Reserves Management Plan in September 2016. The Kai Iwi Lakes

(Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan (2016) (the RMP) restricts the use of powerboats

(power-driven vessels) specifically on Lake Waikare, unless authorised for safety for events, scientific

and research purposes, or for management operations. The RMP allows only one boat ramp into

Lake Taharoa and one for Lake Waikare but does not allow any for Lake Kai Iwi. The proposed bylaw

has been created to implement the RMP policy objectives.

The Northland Regional Council (NRC) has a Navigational Bylaw that manages the water-based activities

on Lake Taharoa are not covered by this bylaw.

Cultural values – iwi relationship

Owing to a close, long standing relationship with the Lakes and surrounding land, Mana Whenua regard

them as a taonga and important food source. Te Roroa, and Te Kuihi and their associated whanau, and

hapu have lived around the Lakes, fishing and carrying out other customary practices there, such as

burying their dead. Two urupa are identified around the Lakes and a pa site overlooks Lake Kai Iwi from

just outside the legal boundaries of the reserve. Mana Whenua and Tangata Whenua’s long standing

relationship with Kai Iwi Lakes and the wider surrounding area has been varied and ongoing. This status

was recognised in a Treaty of Waitangi claim that included land embodied in Kai Iwi Lakes. In numerous

places in its report The Waitangi Tribunal recognised that the Kai Iwi Lakes were, and still are, an essential

mahinga kai for Te Roroa.

The Committee seeks, through the RMP, to manage Kai Iwi Lakes for the future in a way that respects

the past, as well as reflects the wishes of present generations. Part of respecting the past is to honour

the vision for the Lakes that has been inherited from Te Roroa, Te Kuihi and Parore Te Awha – that the

Lakes are open to all to enjoy, that no one has exclusive use, and that no use should compromise the

pristine nature of the place and its enjoyment by others. Acknowledging the mana whenua status of

Te Roroa and Te Kuihi also reflects this.

An aim within the RMP is that the relationships of “Tangata Whenua and other peoples, their history,

culture and traditions will be reflected and acknowledged in how Kai Iwi Lakes is developed and cared

for”.

Deleted:

29



Ecological values

The Lakes have been identified as having high ecological significance in the Department of

Conservation’s (DOC) Protected Natural Areas Programme, with four ecological units in total identified

for protection. Combined the Lakes have 60 Ha of land environments that are priority for protecting rare

and threatened native biodiversity. All three Lakes have been identified by NIWA as having ‘Outstanding’

native biodiversity value, which means they are nationally important, containing a diverse indigenous

biota with sustainable populations of endangered species. In 2010, the three Lakes were all ranked in the

top 70 for ecological value of 255 Northland wetlands and in the top 20 for specifically lake type wetlands.

All three Lakes were classed as having ‘Excellent’ ecological condition in 2005 and 2007 based on their

submerged plant communities (LakeSPI), however, only Taharoa was excellent in 2011, with both

Waikare and Kai Iwi deteriorated to having ‘high’ ecological condition. Six native fish species in total have

been recorded from the three Lakes. The endangered dune lake galaxias (DLG) is the most significant,

as it is only found in the Kai Iwi Lakes. Formerly present in in all three Lakes, it is now apparently confined

to Lakes Waikare and Taharoa. At least 15 different species of water birds have been recorded on the

Kai Iwi Lakes in the past, including species that are regionally and nationally significant.1 Lakes Taharoa,

Waikare and Kai Iwi are all ranked as outstanding by NIWA in their Northern Lakes Ecological Status

Report 2012. Individually they each have their separate characteristics, however collectively they form

what is a unique and outstanding natural environment. These closely situated lakes are some of the most

pristine dune lakes in Northland. The three lakes are classified as window dune lakes (Timms, 1982),

meaning they sit within the water table and are fed by both rainfall, springs and overland flows. There is

a possibility that Lake Kai Iwi is a Perched dune lake, sitting above the water table.2

Between them, the Lakes support 27 native plant species, including four rare natives.3 At least 35

indigenous aquatic plants have been recorded in the lakes over the last 30 years, many of which are

nationally or regionally significant.4

Invertebrates are of interest in lake systems as indicators of lake health. They are generally very sensitive

to poor water quality. In the case of these Lakes, the presence of koura/kewai in Waikare and Taharoa is

a sign of the excellent water quality of these lakes as koura/kewai cannot tolerate less than clean water.

Likewise, the Diptera midge, Ceratopogonidae in Lake Kai Iwi. These are signs of good lake health and

mauri. The relative age of the Kai Iwi Lakes has allowed the DLG fish species to diverge genetically and

morphologically. Other species such as koura/kewai (freshwater crayfish) are distinct in their morphology

for the same reason. DLG are now locally extinct in Lake Kai Iwi where they were present in the past.5

Water quality sampling occurs quarterly in February, May, August and November. The NRC/NIWA

ecological surveys will continue every five years with weed surveillance annually. NRC is undertaking an

aggressive programme of catchment weed management at the Lakes, including wilding pine and nitrogen

fixing weeds such as brush wattle and gorse.6

1https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/site/kaiparadistrictcouncil/files/pdf/TDGC/NRC%20Outstanding%20Waterbodies%20KI%20Lakes%2020130219.pdf 2 https://www.nrc.govt.nz/media/9537/kaiiwilakesmanagementplanwebsite.pdf 3 Ibid 4 Supra n.1 5 Ibid 6 Ibid

30



Economic Values

Taharoa Domain is an exceptional place, boasting a fascinating cultural history, outstanding landscape

values, a fast recovering ecology and water quality that is amongst the highest of any dune lakes in

New Zealand. Collectively these characteristics give the Domain a distinctive identity that is unmatched

elsewhere in the country and helps to build Kaipara’s economy.

The Domain is a much loved destination for day visitors and campers, with many families having a

relationship with the place that goes back to the early times of its formation as a reserve. It is not

uncommon for camping groups to consist of three generations staying together.

An aim of the RMP is that the Lakes will be promoted and developed as an educational, scientific and

tourist destination. Promotion will therefore be managed in a way that encourages a spectrum of

resources that support its stewardship. Economic development objectives recognise the need to increase

revenues from sources other than Council and to encourage sponsorship and partnerships which

contribute resources in cash and/or kind. The camp ground is being developed and managed to achieve

improved revenue.

2 Statutory requirements

Council has the ability to put in place a bylaw to give effect to an RMP under the Reserves Act 1977.

2.1 Reserves Act 1977

The relevant parts of s106 of the Reserves Act 1977 allows the administering body (subject to the

approval by the Minister of Conservation) of a reserve to make bylaws for the provision of:

The management, safety, preservation and use of the reserve or any part thereof and the

preservation of the flora and fauna and the scenic, historic, archaeological, biological, geological,

or other scientific or natural features therein, and for the preservation of the natural environment;

Prescribing the conditions on which persons shall have access to or be excluded from any reserve

or any part of a reserve, or on which persons may use any facility (including any building) in a

reserve, and fixing charges for the admission of persons to any part of a reserve and for the use of

any such facility;

Regulating the times of admission thereto and exclusion therefrom of persons, horses, dogs, or

other animals, and vehicles or boats or aircraft or hovercraft of any description;

The control of all persons, horses, dogs, and other animals, and vehicles or boats or aircraft or

hovercraft of any description using or frequenting a reserve;

Prescribing conditions on which persons may be permitted to enter and remain on any wilderness

area within a reserve;

Generally regulating the use of a reserve, and providing for the preservation of order therein, the

prevention of any nuisance therein, and for the safety of people using the reserve.

Section 107(a) of the Reserves Act 1977 states that the procedure for making bylaws is in the same

manner as that in which the local authority is authorised by law to make bylaws (as outlined below).

Deleted:

31



2.2 Local Government Act 2002

Kaipara District Council is authorised to make bylaws under the Local Government Act (LGA) 2002 under

s145-154. Section 146(b)(vi) of the LGA 2002 states ‘a territorial authority may make bylaws for its district

for the purposes of managing, regulating against, or protecting from, damage, misuse, or loss or for

preventing the use of, the land, structures, or infrastructure associated with reserves, recreation grounds,

or other land under the control of the territorial authority.’

Section 155 of the LGA 2002 requires that a local authority must, before commencing the process for

making a bylaw, determine whether a bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived

problem. If the local authority determines that a bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing the

perceived problem, it must, before making the bylaw, determine whether the proposed bylaw:

(a) Is the most appropriate form of bylaw; and

(b) Gives rise to any implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

Section 156 of the LGA 2002 also requires the Council to follow the special consultative procedure when

making a new bylaw.

Section 157 of the LGA 2002 sets out the requirements for public notice of the bylaw once it is made.

Section 158 of the LGA requires a bylaw to be reviewed within five years of being made, and pursuant to

s159 every 10 years thereafter.

Section 160 of the LGA 2002 sets out the review process.

3 Reason for proposal

The reason for the proposed bylaw is to provide an over-arching enforceable management tool to give

effect to the RMP. The RMP contains policy objectives and proposed actions that support the need for

the bylaw. This provides for the implementation of the direction set down in the RMP. The RMP sets

objectives and actions under Aim 2: Cultural, Aim 3: Environment and Aim 4: Recreation. This includes:

1) Restricting motorised boats (power-driven vessels) on Lakes Waikare and Kai Iwi to those power

boats that have been specifically authorised:

a) as safety vessels for events;

b) for scientific and research purposes; or

c) for management operations while allowing non-motorised boat activities to occur.

2) Controlling vehicle movements to ensure that vehicles are not driven or parked inappropriately so

as to compromise the environmental, archeological and cultural values of the Domain; and

3) To support biosecurity checks.

Under s155 of the LGA 2002 Council must determine if a bylaw is the most appropriate form to address

the issues faced by Council. In this case is, it the appropriate form to give effect to the RMP. If it

determines that a bylaw is required, it must determine whether it gives rise to any implications under the

Bill of Rights Act 1990. Attached is a copy of the proposed Bylaw (Attachment A).

32



4 Current situation

Managing recreational activities across the Domain requires clear rules as different recreational pursuits

can clash if not managed properly. The adopted RMP gives direction on what activities should be

encouraged in specific areas and which should be restricted. A bylaw is needed to give effect to the

actions of the RMP as they are not legally enforceable in their own right. The Reserves Act 1977 allows

Council to control the use of boats on the Lakes and vehicles within the Domain.

5 Outcomes sought

The overall direction for the Domain, as articulated through the RMP, is one that recognises the Lakes

as a taonga with intrinsic environmental and ecological values, that are to be used and enjoyed by Kaipara

residents and visitors in a safe and respectful manner that does not damage cultural heritage or ecological

values of the Lakes.

6 Relevant bylaw determinations

A bylaw is considered the most appropriate way of giving effect to the direction set out in the RMP. The

outcomes sought and the appropriate mechanisms to help deliver the outcomes have been considered.

The analysis has been undertaken with regard to the following:

The purpose of the bylaw is to supplement (and not duplicate) the obligations of people under

national legislation or under bylaws such as the Northland Regional Council Kai Iwi Lakes

Navigational Bylaw;

The bylaw is in line with what Council can put in place under the Reserves Act 1977;

The bylaw gives effect to the management direction within the RMP;

The bylaw is only one part of the overall approach to address a perceived problem and to ensure

strategic alignment of Council’s and other agencies’ objectives of achieving sustainable

management of natural and physical resources;

A bylaw to address a problem needs to be considered in the context of resources within Council

and how enforcement can be achieved in a practical and efficient approach.

Section 77 of the LGA 2002 requires Council to investigate all options that may be useful in achieving the

object of its decision.

The options considered by Council are:

a) Do nothing/status quo.

b) Use monitoring and education to identify any issues and encourage the public to consider the

impacts of power-driven vessels and other vessels on the Lakes and vehicles on the surrounding

area and how to best manage any potential harm to the ecological and cultural values attached to

the Lakes and their surrounds;

c) Regulation through the RMP and KDC bylaw.

d) Combination of regulation through the RMP and KDC bylaw with an associated education campaign

and monitoring of compliance. The analysis in this SOP has considered the overall direction for the

Commented [PAH1]: The bylaw was seen to mange use of the Domain in a way that people could still enjoy the Domain without compromising the environment.

Deleted: negative

Commented [PAH2]: It was recognised that non-powered boats could also impact the lakes in particular biosecurity risks are just as high.

Deleted: ¶

33



reserve as displayed in the RMP and how this could be achieved through the three options outlined

above.

Option A: Do nothing/status quo

Doing nothing means Council is not giving effect to the RMP’s policy objectives. A need to provide

mechanisms to regulate the use of the Lakes and Domain has been identified as essential by the

Taharoa Domain Governance Committee, Council Officers, NRC and Mana Whenua.

Option B: Monitoring and education

While education and monitoring are important aspects to achieve behavioural change, a bylaw

allows Council to legally enforce this change using their available resources. The increasing

number of visitors, including international, would require considerable resources, both human

resources and additional multi-lingual signage and promotional material to educate users of the

Domain. This would be an expensive cost to Council. Section 106 of the Reserves Act 1977 allows

for the use of bylaws for the management, safety, preservation and use of the reserve and for the

preservation of the scenic, biological, geological or other natural features and for the preservation

of the natural environment. This section of the Act also specifically allows for a bylaw to control

vehicles and boats of any description using or frequenting the reserve.

Option C: Regulation through a bylaw

By having a bylaw in place means that the objectives of the RMP can be given effect to. The bylaw

can restrict the power-driven vessels as outlined in the RMP; control vehicle movements so as not

to compromise the environmental, archeological and cultural values of the Domain; and support

biosecurity checks that are mentioned within the RMP.

A bylaw contains clear rules and provides enforcement mechanisms that would not be available

through education or guidelines. In the absence of a bylaw it is difficult to take action that is contrary

to the management direction within the RMP.

Option D: Combination of regulation through the RMP and KDC bylaw with an associated education

campaign and monitoring of compliance.

This would give a well rounded response to implementing the RMP and will provide information to

inform future reviews.

Following that analysis Council considers that:

A bylaw is considered the most appropriate, reasonable and practical option of dealing with the

issues facing the Domain, in conjunction with monitoring and education;

This provides certainty and clarity as to what is expected with the use of power-driven vessels on

Lake Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi and for appropriate places vehicles can go within the Domain;

The bylaw also provides a clear and enforceable solution to give effect to the RMP and ensures

KDC is meeting its legislative requirements. In particular, the bylaw provides an easy way to

address breaches in the management approach outlined in the RMP;

The bylaw gives effect to the aims, objectives and actions of the RMP;

34



The bylaw is the most appropriate form of KDC bylaw and should be notified for public submission;

The bylaw does not give rise to any implications under, and is consistent with, the Bill of Rights Act

1990, as the controls are reasonable and justifiable in the circumstances allowed for in s5 of the

Bill of Rights Act 1990;

Monitoring will help provide further guidance when the bylaw is reviewed; and

Education is important to help people understand what is being protected and why.

Kaipara District Council, as the administrating body, has an obligation to ensure the values of the Domain

are reflected in the management of the Reserve.

Relationship with the Northland Regional Council Kai Iwi Lakes Navigational Bylaw

Northland Regional Council has recently adopted a Navigational Safety Bylaw for the Kai Iwi Lakes. This

bylaw applies to Lake Taharoa only. Lake Taharoa is not included in this proposed bylaw.

The bylaw also provides a clear and enforceable solution to the identified problems and ensures KDC is

meeting its legislative requirements.

Taking into account the information above it is submitted that the appended draft Taharoa Domain Bylaw

2018 would be the most appropriate, reasonable and practical option of dealing with the issues facing

Lake Waikare, Lake Kai Iwi and the surrounding Domain.

7 Consultation

Under s83 of the LGA, Council will need to invite public submissions on the proposal. It is proposed

written submissions must be received by Council by 4.30pm DDMM 2018. All submitters who request a

Hearing will be advised of a date and time when they can present their views to Council.

8 Draft Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018

Section 86 LGA requires a SOP to include a copy of the Draft Bylaw. This is attached below.

Deleted: .

35


LH

36

Page i 3216.03

TDGC 20181115 Taharoa Domain Bylaw dft Att3 CEP Final

Communications and Engagement Plan Taharoa Domain Bylaw

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 1

2 Background ............................................................................................................................ 1

3 Budget ..................................................................................................................................... 1

4 Key Stakeholders ................................................................................................................... 1

5 Key Messages ........................................................................................................................ 3

6 Communication platforms..................................................................................................... 3

7 Communication programme ................................................................................................. 4

8 Issues and Risks .................................................................................................................... 5

9 Measures of success ............................................................................................................. 5

9.1 Process to evaluate .................................................................................................................. 5

37

3216.03


1 Executive Summary

We the Council need to hear the views of the community about a proposed Bylaw for the Taharoa

Domain, so that Council can decide and make the Bylaw before the 2019/2020 summer when the

bylaw is likely to be most needed. This will also seek to achieve and support the management

direction within the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserves Management Plan 2016 (RMP).

A key part of this consultation is the management of what is up for discussion. Council will not be

undertaking a review of the RMP (the document which sets the direction of the Domain). This

bylaw looks to manage traffic, biosecurity risks, and make the restriction of power boats on Lake

Waikare and Lake Kai Iwi enforceable.

2 Background

The project team consists of the following roles:

Project management team Name

Executive Team Member Fran Mikulicic

Project Manager/Business Analyst Kathie Fletcher

Lead Contact Paula Hansen

Subject Matter Expert Paula Hansen

Support Mark Schreurs

3 Budget

The project’s estimated budget is:

$3000?

4 Mana Whenua

Council is committed to maintaining strong relationships with Mana Whenua and Māori

communities in the Kaipara. Ancestral ties give Te Roroa and Te Kuihi Mana Whenua status

over the Lakes and their surrounds. Hence, they have an authority over these areas and a

responsibility to act as kaitiaki (guardians).

When engaging with Mana Whenua and Māori, Council will reflect the agreements in place, such

as the pending Mana Enhancing Agreement with Te Roroa and the Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, and the pending Mana Enhancing

Agreement with Te Roroa. Council recognises the importance of its relationships with the

identified Mana Whenua connected to the Lakes. We recognise there are other Māori groups

within the district and will also seek to engage with them where this is needed. This will result in

better quality decision-making and clearer processes.

5 Key Stakeholders

38

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The audience is everyone that has an interest in the implementation of the proposed bylaw.

Stakeholder Their interest in the

project

Level of input into the

project

Status of

relationship

Desired

outcome

Northland

Regional

Council (NRC)

Consistency with NRC

Kai Iwi Lakes Navigational

Bylaw and jurisdictional

powers over the Lakes.

Reviewing for

consistency between

the proposed Bylaw

and the NRC Kai Iwi

Lake Navigational

Bylaw.

Legislative

role

Consistent

bylaws

Department of

Conservation

Administrator of the

Reserves Act 1977.

Affected Party Legislative

role

Consistent

bylaws

Minister of

Conservation

Oversees the Reserves

Act 1977 and needs final

sign off from the Minister.

Final sign off under the

Reserves Act 1977

Legislative

role

Consistent

bylaws

Business

stakeholders

Impact on visitor numbers

to the Lakes which in turn

impacts the business they

may get from the visitors.

- -

Users of the

Lakes

Area is a Public Place.

Legislation requires

Council to consult under

s83 LGA and s86 LGA.

All of these are

potential submitters to

the proposed Bylaw.

1. Friends of the

Kai Iwi Lakes

2. Camp ground

users

3. Boating and other

clubs who use the

Lakes

4. Local community

Legislative

role

Workable

bylaw

Abide by

bylaw

Harbour

Master

Enforces the Maritime Act

for the Lakes.

- Legislative

role

-

39

3216.03


6 Key Messages

List the key decisions / changes to be made

Key decisions and changes Why

New Bylaw To give effect to the Reserve Management Plan (RMP)

and to support the direction stated within.

The Bylaw is to sit beside and

complement the NRC Navigational

Bylaw

So people understand the relationship with the NRC

Navigational Bylaw.

That there are restrictions on

power boats are on Lakes Waikare

and Kai Iwi.

Without a bylaw the full effect of this management

decision within the RMP cannot be given.

Controls around use of boat ramp Management and mitigation of potential Health and

Safety, and environmental issues at the boat ramp.

Controls around supporting

Biosecurity Checks

To protect the ongoing health of the Lakes from potential

biosecurity risks.

Controls around where vehicles

can be parked and what areas

within the Taharoa Domain can be

accessed by vehicles.

This is to help protect the wider Domain environment,

preventing damage to sensitive environments or places

of cultural significance.

Timeframes: what will happen next

after submissions close.

Hearings and deliberations will be held in February 2019

with a final bylaw going to the Council meeting in March

2019. Sign off from the Minister of Conservation (or their

representative) will then be sought. Once this sign off has

been gained a pubic notice can then be placed stipulating

when the bylaw will come into force.

2 – Month Consultation over

December – January 2018/2019

This is to capture as many users to the Lakes as possible.

7 Communication platforms

Platform Used for When

Paper copies of bylaw and

submission forms available

Hui at Iwi offices and or marae Prior to public consultation

News article and back page Back page

Mayoral update

Media Release

Beginning of December

2018 – special Summer

Lifestyler edition.

40

3216.03


Platform Used for When

Early January 2019 media

coverage

e-newsletters Email to community groups Beginning of December

2018 and reminders

beginning and end of

January 2019.

Website Dedicated page linked to

Homepage.

Link on Taharoa Domain

Camp Ground webpage

Ready to go prior to

consultation beginning.

Face-to-face formal meetings –

Mayor and councillors

Interviews/meetings with

stakeholders

Maybe tie in with the

information days suggested

below.

Dedicated e-mail address Means for direct feedback Needs to be set up prior to

the consultation period.

Paper copies of bylaw and

submission forms available.

To be made available at the

camp ground

Ready to go prior to

consultation beginning.

Kai Iwi Lakes information Days Face to face conversations to

talk to people about the Bylaw

and any other ?other what?

2-3 individual Days out at

the Kai Iwi Lakes over the

summer period. May be

able to tie in with other

events or consultations that

could occur over the same

time period.

8 Communication programme

What we want our audiences to know, think and do as a result of the communication?

Feel they have been heard and their views considered;

Understand why Council has made the decisions;

Come on board to assist Council in implementation (advocacy/volunteer action);

Feel supported by Council in their actions.

Who When What Why

Mana Whenua Throughout

consultation

process

That the bylaw is being

implemented to protect,

enhance and manage the

impact on the cultural values

attached to the Lakes and

surrounds.

To solidify an

authentic relationship

with Mana Whenua

by enhancing mana,

protecting mauri and

upholding tapu.

41

3216.03


Who When What Why

Regular users of

the Lakes

Throughout

consultation

process

That the bylaw is being

implemented to protect,

enhance and manage the

demand visitors and users

place on a fragile environment.

To minimise outrage,

and re litigation of the

power boats

decisions of previous

Councils.

Everyone Throughout

consultation

process

Feel they have been heard and

their views considered.

To ensure a spread of

views and feedback

is brought forward to

the

Council/Committee.

Everyone Throughout

consultation

process

That the correct process has

been followed even if they do

not agree with the outcome.

To minimise judicial

review.

9 Issues and Risks

Issue/Risk Impact/likelihood Mitigation Responsibility

Re-litigation of the

direction in the

RMP

High Clear communication messages

around the scope of what they can

submit on through the

consultation.

Policy Team

and Comms

who is this

please? Need it

in full. ta.

Process is flawed Low Legal review and input into key

resolutions and documentation.

Policy Team

10 Measures of success

We will know we are successful when we have:

1. Mana Whenua support and agreement.

2. Received submissions that have considered issues and provided relevant feedback.

3. The quality of input which clearly reflects an understanding of scope of the consultation

process.

4. Received 75% of the submissions which can be directly attributed to parts of the

proposed bylaw.

10.1 Process to evaluate

The Taharoa Domain Bylaw Consultation process will be monitored as part of discussions at a

Taharoa Domain Governance Committee meeting, and once all submissions are collated and

Policy report tabled.

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5 Information

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44

4702.24.02.02 20181101 TD Ops update Aug 2018-Oct 2018-rpt

HW:yh (TDGC)

File number: 4702.24.02.02 Approved for agenda Report to: Taharoa Domain Governance Committee


Subject: Taharoa Domain Operations Update: August 2018 to October 2018

Date of report: 01 November 2018

From: Hamish Watson, Parks and Recreation Manager



Summary

The Committee is charged with implementing the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve

Management Plan (RMP) 2016. The RMP has been developed to provide strategic guidance to the

custodianship and enhancement of Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain).

The following is a brief summary of activities, operations and maintenance work carried out over the

months of August 2018 to October 2018.

• The new toilet facilities at Lake Waikare and caravan dump station are progressing. We have had

to apply for resource consent for the public toilet due to proximity to the Lake and the surrounding

area’s aesthetics;

• Awaiting quotes for the additional powered sites at Pine Beach. Staff have investigated solar power

for the extra facilities, but at this stage we have been recommended against it due to the

remoteness of the area as they would be prone to theft and vandalism. Staff will continue to

investigate options;

• The work joining the Taharoa and Waikare tracks has been completed;

• The last of this year’s Restoration Plants for the Domain have been delivered. These will need to

be watered over the summer months;

• The annual animal pest poisoning programme has been completed by NRC, and the trapping will

continue as usual;

• Carry forward budgets of $64,000 for a boat ramp and bio-security screening were approved by

Council. Staff are now waiting on design concepts for the boat ramp, and once this is agreed then

we can design the bio-security screens;

• As a part of the new Long Term Plan 2018/2028 (LTP) Council adopted the Reserve Contributions

(use of) Policy. Its implementation is still being finalised and may impact on the available Capital

funds for the Taharoa Domain;

• New signage regarding the boating bylaws have been erected at Lake Waikare;

• Signage for ‘no freedom camping’ has been erected around the Domain;

• Pest plant removal has continued;

• Good start to summer with a stunning Labour weekend with lots of campers and day visitors

enjoying the facilities;

45

2


HW:yh (TDGC)

• Upcoming events include the annual open water swim, Project Jonah whale rescue training day

and the Whitebait Connection Education Day (Attachments 1 & 2);

• Te Roroa Honey has approached Council regarding placing beehives at Taharoa Domain. Staff

are currently reviewing this proposal and discussing with Te Roroa Honey;

• Only one (1) concession to provide food at Pine Beach was received. As a part of their application

they have requested a three-year concession;

• NRC has supplied the Lake water quality testing results (Attachment 3).

Recommendation

That the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee receives the Parks and Recreation Manager’s report

‘Taharoa Domain Operations Update: August 2018 to October 2018’ dated 01 November 2018 and the

information contained therein.


To ensure the Committee is informed about the implementation of the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain)

RMP and information regarding the ongoing Domain and camp grounds operations.


To present the operational report for the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) for the August 2018 to October

2018 period so the Committee can be well-informed.

Background

The Committee is charged with implementing the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve

Management Plan (RMP). The RMP has been developed to provide strategic guidance to the

custodianship and enhancement of Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain).

The Kai Iwi Lakes are among the best known dune lakes in New Zealand and all three Lakes, Taharoa,

Waikare and Kai Iwi, are ranked as outstanding by NIWA. Growing populations, particularly Auckland,

along with road improvements has led to increased visitors and associated pressures.

It is the intent of the RMP to enable the Lakes and its surrounds to be enjoyed by all visitors while

simultaneously enhancing the area and reducing risks through knowledge and active management.

Finding a balance between public use and ensuring its continued health and well-being of the Lakes is

a challenge for the Committee. Continued thought, collaboration, planning and funding is required

around pest and weed control (the largest issues facing the long term health and natural character of

the Domain) along with biosecurity (aquatic weed incursion and prevention), understanding the

hydrology of the Lakes, as well as recognising the cultural importance of the area.

Below is a table that shows the number of campers from October 2016 to October 2018 and breaks the

numbers down to domestic and international visitors.

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3


HW:yh (TDGC)

Visitor numbers

Month Total visitors Domestic visitors International visitors

October 2018 1,170 1,099 71

September 2018 209 175 34

August 2018 85 50 35

July 2018 43 31 12

June 2018 73 59 14

May 2018 109 78 31

April 2018 1,544 1,446 98

March 2018 4,066 3,953 113

February 2018 5,331 5,188 143

January 2018 13,884 13,739 145

December 2017 6,626 6,514 112

November 2017 689 561 128

October 2017 74 64 10

September 2017 63 55 8

August 2017 27 12 15

July 2017 53 32 21

June 2017 47 29 12

May 2017 129 114 15

April 2017 1,816 1,376 33

March 2017 939 904 35

February 2017 5,500 5,363 137

January 2017 16,022 15,899 123

December 2016 6,531 6,382 149

November 2016 888 609 279

October 2016 921 828 93

Factors to consider

Community views

The RMP was developed using a public process and reflects the views of the community and other

stakeholders at the time of its development.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000O

ct-1

6

No

v-1

6

Dec

-16

Jan

-17

Feb

-17

Mar

-17

Ap

r-1

7

May

-17

Jun

-17

Jul-

17

Au

g-1

7

Sep

-17

Oct

-17

No

v-1

7

Dec

-17

Jan

-18

Feb

-18

Mar

-18

Ap

r-1

8

May

-18

Jun

-18

Jul-

18

Au

g-1

8

Sep

-18

Oct

-18

Visitor Numbers

Domestic International Total

47

4


HW:yh (TDGC)

Policy implications

Nil. Operational decision-making has been consistent with the RMP.


It is the Parks and Recreation Manager’s responsibility to ensure all operations are conducted within

budget. The financial budgets are set within the LTP and respective Annual Plans. Operative budgets

and performance are reported in a separate financial report.


There are no delegation issues; the Committee has delegated authority from Council to govern the

Domain in terms of the RMP.

Assessment of significance

This matter does not trigger Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Next step

Council Officers will continue to implement the RMP.

Attachments

Attachment 1 Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day

Attachment 2 Kai Iwi Lakes Event Plan

Attachment 3 NRC Lake water quality testing results.

48

../../Events%20Centre/Open%20Day%202019/KILOD%202019%20Important%20Event%20Information%20(1).pdf

../../Events%20Centre/Open%20Day%202019/Event%20plan%20Kai%20Iwi%20Lakes%20Open%20Day%202019.pdf

../../4702.24.05%20-%20Lakes%20Monitoring%20&%20Reports/NRC%20report%2020181001.docx

Important Event Information

Event: Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day

Key Messages/ Objectives: ● Attract locals and visitors to attend the day ● People get an understanding of the:

o values and significance of the lakes o interconnectedness of the environment around the lake – the

wider ecosystem/ catchment. ● People:

o are engaged through fun activities that give them a sense of ownership and inspire them to help protect the lakes.

o are aware of how they can help to protect the lakes o understand how to keep safe in the water whilst snorkelling or

swimming o know where to get more information from

● Strengthen relationships between local stakeholders ● Promote World Wetlands Day ● Promote behaviour change in the three following areas:

o Always Check, Clean, Dry between waterways o Leave only footprints – don’t put anything in the lakes except

yourself as it will stay there! (urine, shampoo, runoff, sunscreen, rubbish, food scraps etc)

o Water safety – always be safe in and around water

Date: 26/01/19

(pp 27/01/19)

Time: 10:30 – 15:30

Location: Lake Waikare

Event coordinator:

Isabel Krauss, Whitebait Connection

Contact: 022 321 2818

Hazards/ Risks Controls ● Collision in water ● Collision on land ● Natural disaster ● Heat exhaustion or hypothermia ● Sunburn ● Drowning ● Fall or slip during activity ● Activity providers not aware of

health and safety plan

● Use of shore watch safety person and dive flag ● Activity area cordoned off from traffic ● First aid and assembly point notified ● Sensible assessment of participants and environmental conditions ● Provision of sunscreen ● Activity specific health and safety plans and presence of safety watch

person, safety boat, and trained first aiders ● Safety briefing given to all activity providers and assistant organisers at

10:00 before public arrive ● Event held in lake where no power boats are permitted (apart from safety

boat)

Weather environment, conditions: Event organiser will make a call on the weather by Friday 25 January. The back-up day is Sunday 27 January. All activity providers have provided their own activity specific health and safety plan. There will be a safety watch person on shore keeping a look out. The area around the activities at the Lake Waikare Events Centre is excluded with bollards from traffic. Resources / protective equipment required: First aid kit, sunscreen, loud hailer, PA system. All activity providers will provide their own activity specific resources and equipment e.g. wetsuits for snorkelling.

First Aid location: Registration tent

First Aid trained personnel: Registration tent

49

Fire extinguisher location: Waikare Events Centre

Alarm location: EMR tent (loud hailer)

Assembly point: Grass area beside registration tent

Emergency contact: 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

50

Group briefing Overall group briefing to be held at 10:00am at Lake Waikare:

• Welcome everyone • Karakia if appropriate • Acknowledge partners and sponsors • Go through objectives of the day • Go through plan for the day – location of activities – hand out site map and point out things

of significance on map. Ensure each activity provider has their own briefing. • Overarching health and safety info – e.g. hazards and mitigation measures, emergency

procedure and location of first aid personnel (list who is trained and keep list in rego tent), first aid kits, fire extinguisher, alarm, VHF radios, assemble areas, sunscreen and drink refill station. All 5 activity holders to ensure they have medical conditions and emergency contact info for all of their volunteers.

• Activity providers and stands to take photos of crowd to estimate total number of visitors • Send photos to Isbel at end of day please for media release and Facebook pages

[email protected] . Please get names and permission!! • Encourage people to do evaluation (required for entry to spot prize draw). • Debrief for providers at the end of the day, followed by photos and report via email later on

51

mailto:[email protected]


LH

52

Event Plan Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day 2019

Overview When Time:

Main event: 10:30am-3:30pm (set up time from 7:30am – group briefing at 10:00am) Night Snorkel Trail: 8:00pm-9:30pm (13 years old and over only, numbers limited to 28 – registrations essential) Date/s: Saturday 26 January 2019 to target campers and locals and tie in with World Wetlands Day BACK UP DAY is Sunday 27 January, 2019.

Where Main event base: Lake Waikare by the Lake Waikare Event Centre

Objectives ● Attract locals and visitors to attend the day. ● People get an understanding of the values and significance of

the lakes. ● People get an understanding of the interconnectedness of the

environment around the lake – the wider ecosystem/catchment. ● People are engaged through fun activities that give them a sense

of ownership and inspire them to help protect the lakes. ● People are aware of how they can help to protect the lakes. ● People understand how to keep safe in the water whilst

snorkelling, or swimming. ● People know where to get more information from. ● Strengthen relationships between local stakeholders ● Promote World Wetlands Day ● Promote behaviour change in the three following areas:

1. Always Check, Clean, Dry between waterways. 2. Leave only footprints - Don’t put anything into the

lakes except yourself as it will stay there! (urine, shampoo, runoff, sunscreen, rubbish, food scraps etc.).

3. Water Safety - Always be safe in and around water.

Activities ● Day and Night Snorkel Discovery (including night snorkel) ● TBC Waka Ama - Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club (6

members) ● TBC Circus activities - Circus Kumarani (conservation theme) ● TBC Guided walks - biodiversity and cultural interpretation -

NRC: Katrina and Lisa ● TBC Monster SUP rides: Joanna Roberts - SUP BRO ● Biosecurity and Biodiversity Displays - NRC/ Whitebait

Connection ● CCD activities (hide the weeds - diagram) - NRC - Bevan Morgan ● Business card collection draw

53

Stalls ● Registration HQ – including passports, first aid, sunscreen, water refill station, koha/donation box (towards Waka Ama nationals), evaluation board. Natalie plus a volunteer

● Kai Iwi Lakes Catchment/Dune Lakes– in show trailer by Biosecurity tent - Natasha

● Check Clean Dry Activity/survey/Display – NRC intern plus a student

● Entertainment – music through PA system near main registration tent. Circus Kumarani / Big River FM

● TBC BBQ by Kai Iwi Lakes staff Andrew Howells and other KDC staff

● Coffee and Iceblocks for sale - Serena Carran ● Water Safety Display - Coastguard North Kaipara

Key Stakeholders and contacts


Sonny Nesbit (Te Roroa) Ric Parore (Te Kuihi)

Kaipara District Council (KDC) Andrew Howells Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club Roxanne Kelly/ Serena Carran Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust (Whitebait Connection and EMR)

Isabel Krauss, Nina Pivac Lorna Doogan, Sophie Journee

Check Clean Dry/MPI TBC Sport Northland Roxanne Kelly Department of Conservation (DOC)

Karen Joyce-Paki Sapphire Mansell

Northland Regional Council (NRC) Laura Shaft Natasha Stubbings Lisa Forester Katrina Hansen

Local Schools – Northern Wairoa Dargaville Intermediate School Te Kopuru School Pouto School Kaihu Valley School Aranga School Dargaville Primary School Tangiteroria School Ruawai School and College Tangowahine School Arapohui School Dargaville High School St Joseph’s Selwyn Park Primary

Te Roroa and Te Kuihi Ric Parore Sonny Nesbit

Fish and Game Fire and Emergency Te Kopuru Fire

David Milich

Circus Kumarani Abbe Clark

Water Outlook (sponsor) Mark Homenuke (NZ General Manager) Peter Johnson (CEO, International Manager)

54

Activities Tasks Who

Welcome and karakia

Delivering this on the day Person TBC

Group briefing Overarching event plan info and health and safety plan

Isabel Krauss

Snorkelling organise activity and RAMS and snorkel guides Night snorkel bookings: https://goo.gl/forms/KzKd0BbFNAW6iRoh2

EMR – Lorna/Sophie

Biosecurity Activities/ Display

Organise activities and resources and NRC staff

Natasha Stubbing assisted by Lisa Forester. CCD display by NRC staff

Guided Walk Organise activity and RAMS and resources

NRC Biodiversity team members

Waka Ama Organise activity and RAMS and resources

Serena Carran to lead this activity.

Circus Kumarani Organise activity and RAMS and resources

Abbe Clark

Giant Stand Up Paddleboard

Organise activity and RAMS and resources

Joanna Roberts - SUP BRO

Stalls Tasks Who

Registration HQ and evaluation

Organise the registration tent and resources and staff and overall event WBC display with pest fish bowl

Isabel Krauss assisted by volunteer/s. Promote putting sunscreen on AFTER the snorkel. Nina Pivac and Rosie Palmer

Check Clean Dry Displays

Organise and set up the Check, Clean, Dry display

NRC staff

Food and Drinks BBQ by Kaipara District Council staff. Water re-fill station set up Coffee Cafe food (hot food, cakes and slices, smoothies, iceblocks)

Water container full at the rego tent – provided by Roxanne Diane Miller picking up containers from Roxanne Serena Carran Barking Zebra Cafe - Kim

55

https://goo.gl/forms/KzKd0BbFNAW6iRoh2

https://goo.gl/forms/KzKd0BbFNAW6iRoh2

Kai Iwi Lakes Catchment display

Catchment/biodiversity and dune lakes/WWD/Dune Lakes movie display

Lisa and Katrina Hansen in show trailer

First Aid Station at registration tent

Sunscreen, first aid supplies, water and drink bottles etc.

Isabel (first aid) and volunteers (sunscreen and water) Roxanne to provide water containers and tents - to be picked up before the event. - Andrew Water available in the ski club.

Entertainment Music (playlist) through PA Isabel Krauss - playlist Circus Kumarani to provide PA system

Other Tasks Who Safety Kayak Safety Boat

EMR to provide for snorkel activity Te Kopuru Fire (David Milich)

Prizes: ● Yet to be confirmed

Prepare evaluation collection plan Isabel Krauss

Gear List

Toilet Paper and cleaning materials for ski club

PA system

Crew Gear & Equipment booked: NRC: ● Gazebos (1 big, 2 small) – for NRC display

● CCD gear

● Tables (6) – 4 for NRC display/games and 1 for Isabel and 1 for main registration tent

● Coreflute sign holders for activities (6) ● Show trailer with catchment/dune lake/CCD

display theme including hand out to promote dune lakes movie. Could also play EMR 2018 night dive film.

● Family pass to field days prize and prize pack KDC:

56

● KDC gazebos (2) To be used for rego tent and waka ama rego tent

● Kai Iwi Camping prize

Sport Northland: ● 5 Run/walk series prizes ● Registration tent gear and all waka ama gear

DOC – Sapphire Mansell

● Games and worksheets ● Gazebo and display for guided walk ● Trounson Kauri Park prize

BBQ and all resources – Andrew Howells ? Coffee and icecreams MTSCT:

● WBC Banner (Isabel) and stand ● EMR : All equipment needed for snorkelling

activity. EMR t-shirt spot prize Overall Event gear:

● Stamps, Road signs, waratahs, cable ties, mallet, registration tent table, Dune Lakes CCD banner for rego tent, first aid kit, rope, event plan, evaluation board, H&S important info, laminated activity name A3 posters, phone/contact list, volunteer rego forms, volunteer petrol vouchers, prizes, gee minnows and fish tank and trays for Gambusia and plants? WBC banner

Serena Carran Isabel Lorna, Sophie and volunteers Isabel

Laminated A3 signs for each activity to bluetack onto NRC core flute signs.

Isabel - TBC

Printed laminated overarching health and safety plan. Also circulate via email.

Isabel

Evaluation board Isabel

Timetable: Kai Iwi Lakes OPEN DAY 2018 Friday 26 January Some camping over-night

Isabel set fish traps for live displays and Camp staff display flyers at Promenade and Pine Beach communal facilities

Saturday 27 January 2018: 7:30am-10:00am Crew arrive to set up

● All activities must be set up and ready to go by (10:00am)

10:00am Karakia, welcome to all crew and briefing

10:15am Individual activity briefings

57

10:30am Event begins!

1:00pm Optional LUNCH BREAK. Free sausage for all volunteers and activity holders at BBQ

1:30pm Activities continue

3:30pm ● Prize giving at 3pm ● Event close ● Pack up ● Clean up

7:00pm Set up for night snorkel

8:00pm Night snorkel registrations confirmed and gearing up begins

8:30pm First rotation night snorkel (twilight snorkel)

9:00pm Second rotation night snorkel

10pm Event finishes – pack up Gates to be open until 10.30pm

Health and Safety Plans: An overarching event health and safety plan and a collation of the different activity provider plans will be available in a separate document. To clarify responsibilities around overlapping duties : all responsibilities will be clearly outlined in this document and will be agreed upon at the final planning meeting. Each activity provider must provide their own Health and Safety plan for their activity which will go into one document as appendices to the overarching event plan.

2019 Event poster/flyer (yet to come, but will be similar

to flyer in 2018)

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60

Kai-iwi lakes water Quality monitoring update

Since 2014 the Kai-iwi lakes has seen improving trends in the main water quality parameters tested. Lakes Taharoa, Wakare and Kai iwi occupy the top 3 positions on the ranked trophic level index, compared to all 27 lakes monitored throughout Northland. Throughout 2018, slightly reduced secchi measurements have been observed in Lake Kai-iwi. However, a new record for secchi depth was observed in Lake Waikare in August 2018 (~15m) and the Autumn NIWA lake SPI survey also observed a record submerged plant depth growing limit of 27.5 m in Lake Taharoa, validating the improving water quality seen in the results.

Improved water quality has coincided with management efforts to control nitrogen fixing Sydney Golden Wattle within the lake catchments. However, long term variations in climate may also influence the water quality trends observed.

Most lakes monitored by Northland Regional Council have automatic water level recorders installed. Higher temporal resolution of the recorders compared to manual readings enhances information regarding water balance and nutrient models and validates climate information. The Kai-iwi lakes do not have automatic water level recorders installed, we’re currently reviewing this gap in the water quality monitoring programme and may be able to address this shortfall next financial year. Support for water level infrastructure installation would be appreciated.

61

Appendix

Figure 1. Lake Taharoa water quality results summary

62

Figure 2. Lake Waikare water quality results summary

63

Figure 3. Lake Kai iwi water quality results summary

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5.2 Financial report for the four month period ending 31 October 2018

Financial Services Manager 4702.24.02.01

Recommendation

That the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee receives the Financial Services Manager’s

report ‘Financial report for the four month period ending 31 October 2018’.

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66

ACTUAL BUDGET

Revenue Kai Iwi Camp Taharoa Domain 4 months to 12 months to

31.10.2018 31.10.2018

$ $

Camping fees 130,466 160,466 434,500

Other Income - 30,000 - -

TOTAL 130,466 30,000 160,466 434,500

Expenditure ACTUAL BUDGET

Kai Iwi Camp Taharoa Domain 4 months to 12 months to

31.10.2018 31.10.2018

Description $ $

Transport costs - 2,020 2,020 17,856 Resource Consents - 472 472 840 Grounds maintenance 835 15,662 16,497 167,000 Building maintenance 4,108 5,323 9,431 60,500 Professional service 9,033 - 9,033 51,416 Advertising and promotion - 1,439 1,439 1,584 Staff salaries and employee costs 18,376 24,740 43,476 211,785 Insurance 6,971 5,455- 1,516 4,381 Power and water costs 4,415 - 4,415 12,384 Refuse disposal 2,500 2,500 5,000 30,000 Sundry 7,018 7,303 14,321 40,491

TOTAL 53,256 54,005 107,621 598,237

Capital Expenditure ACTUAL BUDGET

Total Total

Kai Iwi Camp Taharoa Domain 4 months to 12 months to31.10.2018 31.10.2018

$ $

10087 Kai Iwi facilities 180,000 10705 Public Toilets - Lake Waikare 40,000 10706 Taharoa Domain RMP 34,000 11019 Implement Reserve Management Plan 54,662 100,000

Taharoa Domain

Financial Summary Report for the four month period ended 31 October 2018

VK 4702.24.02.01

TDGC 20181115 Financial Oct 201867


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68

4702.24.05 TDGC 15112018 DLG Working Group update rpt

MS:yh (TDGC)

File number: 4702.24.05 Approved for agenda Report to: Taharoa Domain Governance Committee


Subject: Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group update

Date of report: 26 October 2018

From: Mark Schreurs; Policy Analyst



Summary

At their 16 August 2018 meeting, the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee (the Committee) was

provided with a report giving an update on the work of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working

Group (the Working Group). This led the Committee to ask a number of questions about the work of

the Working Group in the wider context of its history. This report provides the information requested

together with a general update on recent progress the Working Group has made.

In summary, one of the Working Group’s first tasks was to analyse a literature review prepared by NIWA

titled “Dune lake galaxias in the Kai Iwi Lakes: Review of status and development of a long term

monitoring plan”. This NIWA report has been the key piece of work guiding the work of the Working

Group. Following a review of this report, the Working Group agreed on a list of research priorities that

it recorded in a Dune Lakes Galaxias Monitoring Strategy. This Strategy was adopted by the Committee

on 10 August 2017. Since then, the Working Group has been working to progress the key projects listed

in this Strategy. At present these include:

Identify dune lake galaxias (DLG) spawning sites and timing;

Collecting a sample of DLG to analyse their otoliths (a bony structure in the ear/gill of the fish) to

identify when they spawn;

A review of the Department of Conservation’s spotlight monitoring method, including re-analysing

the data to better identify trends;

Explore interactions between DLG, trout and Gambusia, including designing an experiment to test

if the presence or absence of trout has an overall positive or negative effect on the DLG;

Creating a population model for each species;

Studying how trout diet varies throughout the year and throughout their lifespan;

Studying the distribution and behaviour of Gambusia in the Lakes and giving thought to Gambusia

control;

Exploring the possibility of translocating DLG. This project would seek to establish a population of

DLG in another lake where they would be safe from trout and Gambusia. This could reduce the risk

of the species becoming extinct; and

Supporting studies e.g. monitoring of tuna (eels) and koura/kewai.

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MS:yh (TDGC)

In addition, the Committee at their 16 August 2018 meeting also requested that a research protocol be

prepared to guide how the Working Group and other research practitioners undertake research

activities, how they involve Mana Whenua values in their activities and how they seek approval from

and report to the Committee. A draft Research Protocol has been developed and is currently being

reviewed by staff from Te Roroa. The Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group will discuss

the draft Research Protocol at their 23 November 2018 meeting. Following input from the Working

Group and Te Roroa, the final draft Research Protocol will be presented to the Committee for adoption.

Recommendation

That the Taharoa Doman Governance Committee receives the Policy Analyst’s report ‘Kai Iwi Lakes

Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group update’ dated 26 October 2018 and the information contained

therein, giving an update on the work of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group and its

members.


So the Committee may be updated on the work of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working

Group and its members.


To update the Taharoa Doman Governance Committee (the Committee) on the work of the Kai Iwi Lakes

Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group (the Working Group) and its members, and to provide answers to

the questions raised by the Committee at their 16 August 2018 meeting.

Background

The Dune Lakes Galaxias (Galaxias sp.) (hereafter referred to as the DLG) is a small native fish found

only in the Kai Iwi Lakes and there are fears its population is declining. In response to this problem,

Te Roroa, Te Kuihi, Kaipara District Council (KDC), Northland Fish and Game Council (Fish and Game),

Northland Regional Council (NRC), NorthTec and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have formed

the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group (the Working Group). The members of this

group are making a co-ordinated effort to better understand the DLG, its ecology, interactions with other

species and what management actions will be successful in promoting its survival.

The Committee at their Thursday 16 August 2018 meeting raised a number of questions about the work

of the Working Group, how its projects had been developed and are progressing. In answer to these

queries, the following timeline (Table 1) has been compiled to give a history of the Working Group and

the evolution of its projects.

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Table 1: Project timeline detailing the work of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group. Projects/work streams are colour coded to allow their evolution

and progression to be easily tracked.

Date of Action Action Explanation

26 September 2016 Kaipara District Council (KDC) adopted the new

Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve

Management Plan 2016 (RMP). This was based

on a recommendation from the Taharoa Domain

Governance Committee (the Committee) that

the RMP be adopted in that form.

The new RMP included the direction “to stop the release of exotic fish (trout) by 2018

into Lakes Taharoa and Waikare, but consider re-releasing trout if native species

numbers are seen to decline in their absence”. This was contrary to the submissions

made by Fish and Game and others, as well as the legal advice provided by Fish and

Game. Fish and Game had previously advised Council that, if Council proceeded with

this direction, Fish and Game would be forced to seek a judicial review of the RMP.

22 March 2017 Fish and Game informed Council that they were

preparing to commence a judicial review.

Rather than beginning the review, Fish and Game offered to meet with Council first in

the hope of reaching an agreement that would avoid legal proceedings. An agreement

with the Committee was later reached at a meeting with Fish and Game on 02 May 2017

(see below).

April 2017 NIWA completed a literature review titled “Dune

lake galaxias in the Kai Iwi Lakes: Review of

status and development of a long term

monitoring plan”.

The report was commissioned by the Northland Regional Council (NRC) and funded by

an Envirolink grant from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The report recommended:

focus predominantly on understanding population dynamics of DLG;

monitoring should also be undertaken to understand population dynamics of other

fish species present in the Lakes, particularly trout and Gambusia;

monitoring efforts should seek to understand the links between fluctuations of

populations of these three species;

robust, quantitative baseline monitoring is carried out prior to ceasing trout stocking.

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Other recommendations included; a study of trout diet, habitat competition between DLG

and Gambusia and studies of the tuna (eel) and koura (crayfish).

This report has been the key piece of work guiding the actions of the Working Group.

02 May 2017 The Committee met with Fish and Game to

discuss the implications of ceasing trout releases

in the Lakes. This included considering the

recommendations of the NIWA report.

The proceedings and resolutions of this meeting were captured in a letter from KDC’s

lawyers dated 05 May 2017 (Attachment 1).

In summary, the outcome of the meeting was:

Agreement by both parties of the importance of the abundance and long term

survival of DLG;

That a research monitoring programme needs to be designed and funded, which

includes input from Fish and Game, Te Roroa, Te Kuihi, KDC, NRC and DOC, and

that a working group be set up for this purpose; and

That cessation of trout stocking in Lakes Taharoa and Waikare from 2018 would be

deferred in light of new information received from NIWA (the April 2017 report), and

provided the Committee is satisfied with progress with the research monitoring

programme.

13 June 2017 First meeting of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake

Galaxias Working Group (the Working Group).

The Working Group discussed the following:

Draft Terms of Reference;

Research questions that need answers – scientific and cultural knowledge and gaps;

It was noted that even collectively the group and the agencies represented therein

do not have the resources for the 5-10 years of monitoring recommended in the

NIWA April 2017 report;

It was suggested that NorthTec be contacted to explore the potential for involving

their students in this research;

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It was considered that it would be useful to identify seasonal changes in trout diet;

After some discussion into options for filling knowledge gaps, the Working Group

agreed that the most pressing research needs (given the need to protect the DLG

and given the limited resources of those involved) are as follows:

- Better understand the ecology and life history of the DLG including where and

when they spawn;

- Explore control methods for mosquito fish;

- Explore interactions between DLG and mosquito fish;

Drafting of the Dune Lakes Galaxias Monitoring Strategy;

Funding and resourcing options;

Reporting.

23 June 2017 The Committee confirmed the Terms of

Reference for the Working Group.

The Committee confirmed the Terms of Reference for the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake

Galaxia Working Group (Attachment 2).

The Committee also permitted the release of trout in 2018. This was because of new

information brought to light through the April 2017 NIWA report advising that the

ambiguity over the effects of trout on the DLG population should be addressed before

ceasing trout stocking. This was because of concerns that excluding trout from the

Lakes could be detrimental to the DLG.

01 August 2017 The Working Group recommend the draft Dune

Lakes Galaxias Monitoring Strategy (the

Strategy) to the Taharoa Domain Governance

Committee

The Working Group met to finalise the Strategy. This included:

Agreeing on the research priorities;

Finalising the study design;

Agreeing on how the study would be resourced;

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The Working Group then recommended the draft Strategy to the Committee for

implementation.

10 August 2017 The Committee endorsed the Dune Lakes

Galaxias Monitoring Strategy

The Committee resolved to endorses the Strategy as recommended by the Working

Group.

The Strategy identified that the three highest priorities for study are to:

1. Better understand the ecology and life history of the DLG including their abundance

and where and when they spawn;

2. Explore interactions between DLG, trout and Gambusia; and

3. Identify management options which will benefit the DLG.

To achieve these priorities, the Strategy includes the following key projects:

Review reliable methods for estimating DLG and Gambusia abundance at various

lifecycle stages;

Identify DLG spawning sites and timing;

Creating a population model for each species;

Observe interactive segregation between Gambusia and trout;

Seasonal study of trout diet;

Gambusia control;

Supporting studies e.g. monitoring of tuna (eels) and koura.

02 November 2017 The Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxias Working

Group met to implement the Dune Lakes

Galaxias Monitoring Strategy.

The Strategy identified seven priority areas of study. The intention of this meeting was

to discuss how these could best be actioned, which agency would take the lead on each,

and how these could be resourced.

DOC agreed to continue to take the lead on monitoring the abundance of DLG. This

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included continuing the spotlighting programme, increasing monitoring around the

suspected spawning season and trialling fyke nets;

DOC would work with NorthTec to investigate using otoliths to determine the timing

of spawning, including if Envirolink funding might be available;

NRC agreed to create a population model for each species;

NorthTec agreed to continue to investigate Gambusia behaviour, including possible

interactive segregation between Gambusia and trout;

Fish and Game was asked to take the lead in a study of how trout diet varies

seasonally;

KDC agreed to fund construction of some gee minnow traps to be used by DOC in

implementing a Gambusia control programme;

Other supporting studies were also agreed to. These included:

o NRC monitoring of water quality and environmental variables;

o Fish and Game agreed to include tuna (eel) surveys alongside their trout

monitoring; and

o Te Roroa agreed to survey koura/kewai numbers using the traditional method

of Tau Koura.

23 March 2018 Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxias Working

Group meeting

DOC reported that they had trialled fyke netting to get a more quantitative measure of

DLG abundance, however this method had failed to prove effective. They decided to

just continue with their spotlighting method. DOC agreed to increase the frequency of

spotlighting surveys over the suspected breeding season in the hope of recording a

spawning event.

Fish and Game presented their findings to date from the trout diet monitoring programme

they have been undertaking. They offered to extend this monitoring to include larval fish

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monitoring. The Working Group was supportive of this, recognising the opportunities it

offered, including how it could link to the otolith study. It was agreed to seek approval

for this from the Committee, particularly Mana Whenua.

KDC presented the Gambusia traps they had constructed. These were later trialled by

NorthTec who found them to be ineffective compared to standard gee-minnow traps.

The Working Group continued to progress the otolith study, including preparing an

application for funding from the Envirolink Fund and seeking approval from the

Committee.

10 May 2018 The Committee granted approval for the otolith

study and trout releases.

The Committee gave authorisation under section 50 of the Reserves Act 1977 for the

Northland Fish and Game Council, NorthTec and DOC to take a sample of DLG from

the Kai Iwi Lakes as part of their research. This was part of the otolith study.

The Committee resolved to allow the release of trout in 2019. This was because the

ambiguity over the effects of trout on DLG still remained unresolved and the Committee

was satisfied with the Working Group’s efforts to resolve this.

The Committee indicated they would be open to Lake Kai Iwi being used to experiment

with the interactions between trout and Gambusia. This created new opportunities for

the Working Group when designing experiments.

The Committee asked KDC staff to prepare in co-operation with Mana Whenua a draft

Research Protocol that gives effect to kaitiakitanga rights.

21 June 2018 Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxias Working

Group meeting – the work progresses.

DOC reported their findings from the spotlight monitoring. They had not managed to

record a spawning event but had added to the data set. The Working Group raised

further concerns over the accuracy of this method. It was agreed that an independent

statistical analysis of the data be undertaken (including comparing trends to

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environmental variables) to better understand the accuracy of the method.

Consideration was given to designing an experiment in which trout would either be

released into Lake Kai Iwi or excluded from Lake Waikare and the effects on the

Gambusia observed. It was agreed that Fish and Game, supported by other members,

would do some work to look at the feasibility of such an experiment and possible

experimental design. They would then report back to the next meeting so the group

could discuss this project further.

There was further discussion over the possibility of translocating DLG to establish

another population to serve as a reserve in case experimental actions in the Kai Iwi

Lakes resulted in their extinction there. NRC and DOC will continue working to progress

this.

Having gained approval from the Committee to proceed with the otolith study, the

Working Group was working to get ethics approval and had submitted an application for

funding to the Envirolink Fund.

It was identified that none of the participants in the Working Group currently had the

resources to undertake a Gambusia control programme.

NorthTec was continuing to undertake studies into Gambusia behaviour and distribution

in the Lakes.

16 August 2018 Taharoa Domain Governance Committee

meeting – The Committee requested a Research

Protocol to guide the studies being done in the

Lakes.

When receiving a regular update on the work of the Working Group, the Committee

requested more information on the work of the Working Group and how its projects had

been developed and reported to the Committee. This report and the project timeline

included within are an answer to this request for information.

In addition the Committee directed the Chief Executive to report back to the Committee

with a Research Protocol including:

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conflict of interest and external organisations;

clear Committee approval process;

monitoring and reporting strategy;

potentially intrusive research techniques;

alternative funding for the trout diet study;

Terms of Reference for the Dune Lakes Galaxias Working Group; and

research programme, update on current projects, and funding streams.

Present Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxias Working

Group updates.

The Working Group is presently working to progress the following key projects:

Seasonal study of trout diet: Fish and Game in partnership with NorthTec is

continuing to undertake a study into how the diet of trout in the Lakes varies between

seasons and in different aged fish. This will help to understand what effect the trout

are having on the DLG and wider ecosystem. This study was intended to run for a

year and is therefore due to be completed in December 2018/January 2019. Results

can therefore be reported to the Committee’s 12 February 2019 meeting.

Tuna (eel) monitoring: Fish and Game is continuing to regularly survey the tuna

population in Lake Taharoa and Lake Waikare. This monitoring process does not

harm the tuna. This study was intended to run for a year and is therefore due to be

completed in December 2018/January 2019.

Review of DOC’s spotlight monitoring method: DOC is currently reviewing the

accuracy and effectiveness of their spotlight method for monitoring changes in the

DLG population.

Trout Experiment: The Working Group is exploring the possibility of undertaking

an experiment to address the uncertainty over the effects of trout on the DLG and

Gambusia populations.

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Translocating DLG: The Working Group is investigating the possibility of

establishing a new population of DLG in another lake where they would be safe from

trout and Gambusia.

Otolith study: The Working Group has been granted ethics approval for the otolith

study and collection of a sample of DLG has commenced. This study uses otoliths

(a bony structure in the ear/gill of the fish) to identify the population age structure of

DLG and when they spawn.

Gambusia studies. NorthTec is continuing to undertake studies into the Gambusia

population in the Lakes. This includes looking at the different habitats they use and

depths to which they are found, including comparing behaviour between Lakes with

trout and Lake Kai Iwi (which has no trout).

Annual Report on Findings: The Dune Lakes Galaxias Monitoring Strategy directs

that the Working Group will prepare an annual report on the findings of its research.

As November/December 2018 marks one year since the Working Group

commenced its research initiatives, it is timely that the Working Group begins

preparing this report.

Research Protocol: KDC staff have prepared a draft Research Protocol which

gives effects to the kaitiakitanga rights of Mana Whenua. This is currently being

reviewed by Te Roroa staff and will be discussed by the Working Group at their next

meeting.

The Working Group’s next meeting is scheduled for 23 November 2018.

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Issues

The Working Group is continuing to progress the projects detailed above. The Working Group will

continue to meet as required to discuss progress on these projects, opportunities for collaboration and

to reprioritise where needed. The findings of the Working Group’s studies will be reported to the

Committee as they become available via regular updates following each meeting of the Working Group.

In addition, an annual report will be compiled presenting the findings to date.

Factors to consider

Community views

The work of the Working Group represents progress towards protecting a threatened species and is

therefore likely to be supported by the community.

Policy implications

The Working Group has a current Terms of Reference and their work is guided by the Dune Lakes

Galaxias Monitoring Strategy which was endorsed by the Committee on 10 August 2017. The Strategy

is the fulfilment of an action under the Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016

(RMP). It contributes to Aim 3 of the RMP: “Complete knowledge about Kai Iwi Lakes will enable

effective protection and enhancement of its natural environment and pristine waters.”


There are no financial implications for KDC.


There are no legal implications.

Next step

The Working Group will next meet on 23 November 2018. The progress of the Working Group will

continue to be reported to the Committee. The draft Research Protocol will continue to be developed

by Te Roroa and KDC staff with input from the Working Group before being presented to the Committee

for adoption.

Attachments

1. Letter from Brookfields dated 05 May 2017

2. Terms of Reference for the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxia Working Group

3. Dune Lakes Galaxias Monitoring Strategy

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4702.24.05 TOR DLG Working Group-Final

VFA:yh

Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxias Working Group

Terms of Reference

Affiliated Bodies Department of Conservation

Northland Regional Council


Northland Fish and Game

Te Roroa

Te Kuihi

Status Working Group

Title Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxia – Working Group

Approval Date

Support Kaipara District Council

Purpose

The prime purpose of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxia Working Group is to ensure the long term

survival and abundance of the Dune Lake Galaxia (DLG) at Taharoa Domain.

Output of the Working Group

The output of the Kai Iwi Lakes Dune Lake Galaxia Working Group is to make recommendations to

Taharoa Domain Governance Committee (TDGC) and Kaipara District Council on management

decisions for DLG at Kai Iwi Lakes based on scientific and cultural knowledge.

These recommendations will be based on the results of the proposed Fish Monitoring Programme.

Creating and implementing the Fish Monitoring Programme is an output of the Working Group.

Reporting

Results and progress with the Fish Monitoring Programme shall be reported to TDGC at their meetings

(approximately every two months). These reports shall also be available to the other members of the

Working Group.

Membership Roles and Responsibilities of the Working Group

The roles and responsibilities of the members of the Working Group are as follows:

Member Role Responsibility

Department of Conservation Technical input Statutory responsibility for the

conservation of threatened native

species.

Functions of the Department under

the Conservation Act section 6 (ab):

to preserve so far as is practicable all

indigenous freshwater fisheries, and

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Member Role Responsibility

protect recreational freshwater

fisheries and freshwater fish habitats.

Kaipara District Council Facilitation

Administration support

Administering body of Taharoa

Domain

Kai Iwi Lakes Reserve Management

Plan 2016

Co-governance of the Domain.

Northland Regional Council Technical input Regional Policy Statement: safeguard

and enhance the ecological integrity

of indigenous freshwater ecosystems

and seek an overall reduction in the

threat status of threatened and at risk

species.

Te Roroa Kaitiaki (guardian)

Cultural knowledge

Mana Whenua


Te Kuihi Kaitiaki (guardian)

Cultural knowledge

Mana Whenua


Fish and Game Northland Technical input

Local knowledge

Managing the trout population in the

Lakes.

Under the Conservation Act section

26Q (1): The functions of each Fish

and Game Council shall be to

manage, maintain, and enhance the

sports fish and game resource in the

recreational interests of anglers and

hunters, and, in particular,—

(a) to assess and monitor—

(i) sports fish and game populations;

and

(ii) the success rate and degree of

satisfaction of users of the sports fish

and game resource; and

(iii) the condition and trend of

ecosystems as habitats for sports fish

and game.

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Funding and Resourcing

Each member of the Working Group shall nominate representatives to attend the meetings and to

progress the Fish Monitoring Programme.

Each affiliated body shall endeavour to contribute to the funding of, and/or resourcing and

implementation of the Fish Monitoring Programme. This is subject to an agreed programme that is

affordable and is able to meet agreed goals and time frames.

Chair of the Working Group

The Working Group will select a Chair from amongst its members. The Chair is responsible for:

1. The efficient functioning of the Working Group, including ensuring members have the opportunity to

contribute to group discussions;

2. Approving the Agenda for Working Group meetings;

3. Ensuring that all members of the Working Group receive sufficient timely information to enable them

to be effective members; and

4. Presenting the Working Group’s feedback to the respective organisations.

Quorum

The quorum at any meeting of the Working Group shall be not less than one member from each affiliated

body.

Frequency of meetings

The Working Group shall meet as required at times to be agreed with the Working Group members, and

meetings will be documented.

Delegations

The Working Group does not have any specific delegated powers from their respective organisations.

It is an advisory body.

Background

Northland’s Kai Iwi Lakes are the only home of the Dune Lakes Galaxias (a threatened native fish).

Kaipara District Council, the administering body of the lakes, has decreed through its Kai Iwi Lakes

(Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016 (RMP) that the stocking of the lakes with trout is to

cease from 2018, leading to the gradual extinction of trout in these lakes. As trout are known to predate

the Dune Lakes Galaxias (DLG), it is hoped that their exclusion will result in an increase in the numbers

of DLG. However, Gambusia (another introduced fish) are also present in the lakes. They are

aggressive, are known to compete with DLG for food and habitat and are suspected to predate the

DLG’s young. It has been suggested that predation pressure from trout is keeping the population of

Gambusia in check or at least is altering their behaviour sufficiently to allow the survival of the DLG.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that environmental variability may also be responsible for some of

the peaks and falls seen in the DLG population. It is therefore unknown if the exclusion of trout will be

beneficial or detrimental to the DLG.

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A recent literature review by Gee and Franklin (2017) suggested that the wholesale exclusion of trout

from the Lakes, beginning in 2018 as is directed by the RMP, might potentially be detrimental to the

DLG. The review goes on to make recommendations for a more comprehensive research programme.

This has led to the establishment of this Working Group to advise the final design of this research

programme, oversee its implementation and make recommendations to the Taharoa Domain

Governance Committee and Kaipara District Council. Recognising the complexity of this issue and the

diversity of parties involved in the management of the lakes and the DLG, the working group shall consist

of; the Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council, Kaipara District Council, Northland

Fish and Game, Te Roroa and Te Kuihi.

The Department of Conservation has a responsibility to undertake the conservation of threatened

species such as the DLG. The Northland Regional Council has a statutory role under the Resource

Management Act 1991 to safeguard the use of natural resources, including the Lakes. Furthermore,

Objective 3.4 of the Northland Regional Policy Statement requires that Northland Regional Council

safeguards and enhances the ecological integrity of indigenous freshwater ecosystems and seeks an

overall reduction in the threat status of threatened and at risk species. Kaipara District Council is the

administering body of the Taharoa Domain and is largely responsible for controlling what activities are

permitted there; both through Bylaws and the RMP. Northland Fish and Game represent the interests

of all hunters and anglers. As they are responsible for managing the trout population in the lakes, their

involvement is essential. Te Roroa and Te Kuihi are two local iwi who both exercises mana whenua

status over the lakes. Both these iwi have a strong connection to the lakes spanning many generations.

It is intended that these parties will combine their knowledge, strengths and resources to successfully

design and implement a study which will allow advice to be given regarding what actions should be

taken to protect the Dune Lakes Galaxias.

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Dune Lakes Galaxias

Monitoring Strategy

Abstract

Northland’s Kai Iwi Lakes are the only home of the Dune Lakes Galaxias (DLG) (a threatened

native fish). To ensure the survival of this species it is necessary to better understand its ecology

and its interactions with other species. In particular, the DLG shares the lakes with two introduced

fish species; trout and Gambusia (Gee & Franklin 2017). As trout are known to predate the DLG,

it has been suggested that their removal will result in an increase in the numbers of DLG (Gee &

Franklin 2017). However, Gambusia are also a threat. They are aggressive, are known to

compete with DLG for food and habitat and are suspected to predate the DLG’s young (Rowe

1998; Pingram 2005). It has been suggested that the threat of predation by trout is keeping the

population of Gambusia in check through interactive segregation (Rowe, Champion & de Winton

1999). It is therefore, unknown if the exclusion of trout will be beneficial or detrimental to the DLG.

In addition, other questions have also been raised over to what extent environmental conditions

and the extent of littoral vegetation may be affecting the abundance of DLG. DLG abundance

has been found to vary considerably from year to year. The relative effects of environmental

variables and interactions with other species will need to be understood before management

actions to protect this species can confidently be taken.

This study seeks to explore the ecology of the DLG, its interactions with other species and its

environment. It is hoped that the understandings gained through this study will advise

management actions which will help conserve this species. The study design is based on the

recommendations of a recent literature review by Gee & Franklin (2017), advice from a number

of independent scientists, input from staff from the key agencies involved in managing the fish

populations of the Lakes and has also been informed by the principals of mātauranga māori

(indigenous Māori knowledge).

1 Introduction

The Dune Lakes Galaxias (Galaxias sp.) (here after referred to as the DLG) is currently recognised as

a subspecies of dwarf inanga (Galaxias gracilis), however work is currently being undertaken to describe

it as a separate species. The DLG is endemic to the three Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa, Waikare and Kai Iwi)

on the west coast of Northland, New Zealand (Allen & Turner 1971).

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were introduced to the Kai Iwi Lakes in 1968 by the then

Acclimatization Society; now the Northland Fish and Game Council (Anon 1973; McEwan 2016).

Regrettably, within a few years of trout being released, an unauthorised individual released Gambusia

(Gambusia affinis) into the lakes as well (Gee & Franklin 2017). It is understood the individual intended

the Gambusia to be a food source for the trout.

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The introduction of these two species soon resulted in an observable decline in the numbers of DLG

(Anon 1973; Gee & Franklin 2017). Since then DLG have become extinct in Lake Kai Iwi and there are

concerns for the survival of the remaining populations in Lake Waikare and Lake Taharoa (Gee &

Franklin 2017).

In response to this problem, Te Kuihi and Te Roroa (local iwi), Kaipara District Council, Northland Fish

and Game Council, Northland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation are seeking to

identify what actions can be taken to save this species.

One of the management solutions proposed was to cease releasing trout into the lakes. This is a

comparatively simple solution because, as trout cannot breed in the lakes (they require flowing water),

the population would naturally die out if the annual stocking of trout fingerlings was to cease (Kaipara

District Council 2016; Gee & Franklin 2017). As trout are a predator of DLG it was hoped that removing

the trout would result in an increase in the population of DLG (Kaipara District Council 2016).

However, the Gambusia are a complicating factor. They are known to compete with the DLG for habitat

and food and are suspected to predate the DLG’s young (Gee & Franklin 2017). Hence while some

studies have hypothesised that removing trout will result in an increase in the DLG population through

removal of a predator (e.g. Rowe and Chisnall 1995 and Allen and Turner 1971), others (e.g. Rowe

1998 and Rowe, Champion & de Winton 1999) have argued that the trout are also keeping the Gambusia

population in check through interactive segregation (i.e. Gambusia do not use the full range of habitats

for fear of predation by trout). This leads to the competing hypotheses that exclusion of trout could

result in an increase in Gambusia and a consequent decline in the population of DLG (Rowe et al. 1999).

To complicate matters further, it has been suggested that environmental factors, such as the extent of

littoral vegetation, rainfall, lake levels, water temperature and the abundance of zooplankton may also

be significant contributors to fluctuations in the populations of both DLG and Gambusia (Gee & Franklin

2017).

Because of this uncertainty, a recent literature review by Gee & Franklin (2017) recommended that trout

stocking not be ceased immediately but rather that a detailed study be designed and undertaken which

recognises these competing hypotheses as well as the underlying environmental variability.

A working group comprising Te Kuihi, Te Roroa, Kaipara District Council, Northland Fish and Game

Council, Northland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation has identified that the three

priorities for this study are to:

1 Better understand the ecology and life history of the DLG including their abundance and where

and when they spawn. The design of this study and especially the outcomes sought will be clearly

linked to possible management actions;

2 Explore interactions between DLG, trout and Gambusia e.g. do Gambusia exclude DLG from their

preferred habitat, compete with them for prey, predate their young or force the DLG to spend

more time in parts of the lake inhabited by trout? Do trout have an interactive segregation effect

on Gambusia? How great is trout predation pressure on DLG?

3 Identify management options which will benefit the DLG e.g. this could include control of

Gambusia or altering the release patterns for trout.

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This study will therefore seek to better understand the ecology of the DLG, its interactions with other

species, the effect environmental variables have on its survival and actions which can be taken to protect

it.

The findings of this study are needed by the managers of these lakes (Kaipara District Council and Local

Iwi) and the fish populations therein (Northland Fish and Game Council and the Department of

Conservation) to guide management decisions (Kaipara District Council 2016).

Due to the complexity of this matter, this strategy shall be a working document and will be updated and

further refined as new information comes to light. For this reason, the strategy has been kept reasonably

high level at this stage rather than drilling down into detail over methods and deliverables. The Working

Group shall continue to refine the individual actions of the study as it progresses.

2 Research Design and Methods

The research design is desired to draw on both mātauranga māori (indigenous Māori knowledge and

epistemologies) and western science approaches to generating knowledge. The execution of the study

shall therefore be informed by a soon to be commissioned Cultural Report.

This research will support cultural values by incorporating traditional Maori collection methods to

complement more widely used scientific monitoring tools. This study will use whakaweku (bracken fern

bundles) which is a component of Tau Koura, a traditional harvesting method used by tangata whenua

of Te Arawa and Ngati Tuwharetoa. The Tau Koura method has been successfully used as a monitoring

tool for koura (freshwater crayfish, Paranephrops planifrons) in the Te Arawa Lakes (Kusabs and Quinn,

2009), however recent studies have shown that this can be an effective monitoring tool for freshwater

fish species in shallow lake fringes and running stream habitats (Kusabs, in press). We also intend to

adapt this method and use whakaweku as an artificial habitat for DLG to see if they use this habitat at

any particular time in their lifecycle or whether they utilise this as a spawning substrate. This method

produced initial positive results as an effective spawning habitat for inanga species in a trial conducted

in the lower Waipoua River (Taylor pers. com., 2017). By incorporating this method into the design we

can actively introduce a Matauranga Maori element into this proposal.

This study has been informed by recommendations from Gee & Franklin (2017), the findings of other

previous studies and advice from a number of independent scientists. The study will consist of:

2.1 Review reliable methods for estimating DLG and Gambusia abundance at various lifecycle

stages

Why? - Without this understanding we cannot measure the effects of any treatment.

Research questions:

What is an effective method for estimating DLG abundance?

What is the population size and trend for all species in the Lakes which do and do not undergo

manipulations?

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Problems:

For each method of estimating abundance it needs to be asked; is it destructive or non-destructive,

especially to DLG?

Even given a reliable method of relative abundance estimate, how will inter-annual variability be

accounted for in a scenario where a manipulation is involved (e.g. destocking trout, trout stocking

numbers progressively lowered, Gambusia control). Natural inter-annual variability may mask the

year-to-year effects of a manipulation.

It could also be that what is currently perceived as “inter-annual variability” is actually a function of

the difficulty of measuring the abundance of a rare species with a correspondingly patchy distribution.

If this is the case, a more reliable monitoring method may better reveal the true extent of any actual

inter-annual variability. Eleanor Gee notes, “In the datasets I looked at (primarily Pingram/DoC, but

also Rowe 1999), the variability in catch/observation numbers throughout the year and from year to

year made it hard to have confidence in estimation of numbers.” (Eleanor Gee, pers. comm.).

Research approaches:

Gee minnow trap transects give a catch per unit effort (CPUE) for Gambusia, giving a standardised

estimate of abundance.

DLG have been assessed using plankton nets for larvae, and fyke nets for later stages. Each of

these is destructive (some or all of the fish caught are killed). Visual assessment by snorkel survey

or on-shore observation has also been used in the littoral zone and is non-destructive.

Camera transects could be set up reasonably affordably using a Go-Pro Camera.

A mark-recapture approach might give a reliable estimate.

A new monitoring method based on traditional Maori fishing practices is being developed. It is

understood this method is non-destructive and, if successful, could be applied to the DLG. This

method would be very affordable and could be useful as a preliminary study.

Inter-annual variability might be monitored by doing a manipulation in only one lake (Waikare) and

observing the population modes in Taharoa to account for effects of environmental drivers. The two

lakes are not comparable units, but environmental effects should be seen in pattern if not in

magnitude.

Environmental DNA could be used as a monitoring method, however this is an expensive method.

Acoustic dopplers (fish finders) could be used to monitor the abundance of DLG providing they can

distinguish between species.

As we know DLG numbers are potentially both difficult to quantify and temporally variable across

years, any response to a manipulation would need to allow several years to determine if the

population will rebound or not.

2.2 Identify DLG spawning sites and timing

Why? - The location and timing of DLG spawning using straw bales or bundles of bracken fern as an

artificial substrate is prompted by a hypothesis that lower water levels in the lakes result in less reed

bed being available for spawning in the littoral margin. Whether that is relevant or not, understanding

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the timing of spawning in each lake will provide information into the population model (see 2.3 below)

and it will inform manipulation such as the timing of release of trout.

In terms of the driving hypothesis, NRC long term lake level data shows an increase in water level trend

for Lake Waikare and a decrease for Lake Taharoa. Lake Taharoa has had a 30+ year relatively stable

period of water level with a drop apparent as of mid-2013. This would mean that the reed beds had time

to recolonise from initial water level drops since 1980. Waikare would not be subject to the hypothesis

of lost reed belt.

Research questions:

Is lake level responsible for loss of reed belt habitat for DLG spawning?

Do DLG spawn on the reed belt?

Do DLG spawn on other plant species at a lower zone in the lake?

What is the period of DLG spawning in each lake and when is peak spawning?

Problems:

The cause of recent water level decline in Lake Taharoa needs to be determined.

Spawning success was not the problem in the Rowe (1997) study, recruitment to adult phase was.


Use straw-bales or bundles of bracken fern to promote spawning in a known area to determine timing

of spawning.

At determined time of spawning, survey reed belts and submerged plant zones for sign of eggs.

Examine historic photographs for reed belt extent and position.

Assess the effect of the canal between Lake Taharoa and Lake Kai Iwi for its effect on water level in

Lake Taharoa.

2.3 Creating a population model for each species

Why? – The timing of lifecycle stages (e.g. what time of year the fish spawn and at what age they reach

certain size class) and their distribution is critical towards understanding the usefulness of interventions.

As information becomes available from other studies in this Strategy, this can be added to the model

(e.g. DLG spawning timing, predation removal rates by trout, etcetera). Models are flexible and can be

altered as new information becomes available. This population model shall therefore be compiled over

time as various aspects of the necessary data become available through other aspects of this study.

Research questions:

What is the timing of lifecycle stages of each species (DLG, trout and Gambusia)?

What is the spatial distribution leading to interactions between each species?

How does spawning differ across the Lakes?

What are the preferred prey of each species and are they exclusive at various lifecycle stages of the

predator?

What is the role of phytoplankton and zooplankton in driving the food web?

How does trout condition/growth-rate back-calculate in terms of prey consumed?

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Problems:

Models are only as good as the input data. Acquiring the input data may be expensive. It is therefore

intended that the data for the model shall be compiled as it comes to light through implementing other

aspects of this study.


Employ a modeller to build the model from simple to complex.

Reprioritise other research to the needs of the model.

Baker and Rowe have already completed a study looking at competition for food between riverine

inanga and Gambusia. The results of this study can be reviewed and potentially fed into the model.

2.4 Observe interactive segregation between Gambusia and trout

Why? – If the presence of trout in the Lakes is forcing an interactive segregation approach on the

Gambusia, then removing the trout could cause a boom in the Gambusia population. This in turn could

impact negatively on the DLG. Mesocosm studies of interactive segregation were proposed by

Dave Rowe. Nick Ling notes that mesocosm studies are confounded by lack of habitat complexity and

small spatial scale that greatly exacerbates interactions. The design of the study should therefore

consider such aspects as scale and habitat availability.

Research questions:

Does the presence of trout cause Gambusia to seek refuge in littoral vegetation?

If so, does being crowded into the littoral zone cause Gambusia to predate their own young?

Problems:

Mesocosm studies are costly and can be artificial compared to interactions in the wild.


Interactive segregation would be tested by Gambusia transects of depth and distance from shore.

Ideally the test should be undertaken in the same lake to exclude other variables. This could be

done by introducing trout into a lake which has an established Gambusia population and observing

Gambusia behaviour before and after the trout are introduced. Lake Kai Iwi or Shag Lake could be

possible study sites. Furthermore, Fish and Game also have a lake/pond which could be used.

Conversely, Lake Waikare could be used with observations made in the current trout presence

compared with observations made after de-stocking the lake of trout. This would essentially be

repeating the late 1990s Rowe experiment. If Gambusia move deeper and further out in the absence

of trout, there is a case for this hypothesis.

2.5 Seasonal study of trout diet

Why? – Predation by trout on DLG and common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) is a known impact.

Initial declines of DLG were noted in the late 1960s when trout were first released, but Gambusia had

yet to fully establish. Predation by trout on Gambusia has not been documented. If a population model

is to be developed, we need to know the total removal of each species/trout/day/seasonal month. Since

trout change prey preference by season and age; an understanding of their energy budget by species

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will inform a population model. Better understanding at what times of the year and at what size trout

show a preference for certain prey species may help inform management decisions such as at what

time of the year or at what size trout should be released.

Research questions:

What prey do different size/age classes of trout prefer and is this exclusive?

What prey species do trout show a preference for at different times of the year?

What lifecycle stages of DLG are predated on by trout, when and what level?

Where in the lake is this predation occurring?

Do trout eat Gambusia, when and where and what size/age class of trout prey on them? Is this

sufficient predation pressure to reduce Gambusia populations?

Problems:

Visual gut analysis is hampered by some prey material being digested or fractured. This makes

identification of prey difficult and it makes a count by prey species impossible.

Trout caught in different depths, different offshore distances and at different times of day may have

different prey composition in gut content. Trout of different age/size classes have different prey

preference.

Relying on angler-caught trout for this study gives no statistical confidence and is random as to catch

depth/offshore distance.

Assumptions of “some” predation should not be taken as an impact on population levels of Gambusia,

or even DLG for that matter. We need to quantify removal rates to see true impact.


As the diet and seasonal feeding behaviour of trout is well studied, a general understanding of the

seasonal variation of trout diets in the Kai Iwi Lakes could likely be gained from a literature review.

This review could also provide information on how trout diet varies across size classes. Such a

review would likely be reasonably in-expensive and could be followed by field studies if needed,

possibly using the following approaches:

Use otoliths as a species ID and number estimate.

Use genetic identification for all species consumed. This requires reference genome of all likely prey

species (including insects and fish).

Use fatty acid signatures to identify all species consumed. Requires reference samples of all

species.

Conduct monthly surveys for one year by catching a statistically meaningful number of trout from

standardised transects of depth and offshore distance and time of day and at several size classes of

trout, based on literature of prey preference at age/size.

Concentrate study of Gambusia predation by trout in summer and autumn due to peak Gambusia

numbers.

Use isotope analyses to look at food web interactions.

Fish and Game should be able to provide all historic trout release and catch return (condition, size,

age, weight) data to assess stocking rates vs condition index.

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Review literature for information on trout diet at size/age. Is Gambusia ever recorded? Does

piscivorism cease completely after trout are yearlings?

2.6 Gambusia control

Why? – Gambusia are hypothesised to affect DLG. This may be occurring by resource competition for

food, from aggression-related displacement from key habitat (vegetated littoral zone), from attacks

leading to death (fin pecking) and from eating of DLG eggs.

Gambusia are prolific breeders, with a single female at the start of the breeding season (November)

giving rise to nearly quarter of a million more fish by the end of the season (March). Therefore, any

control attempts are best made prior to the breeding season and at the end of the season, in order to

reduce numbers of breeding females from the population. This should reduce pressure on DLG.

Research questions:

Do Gambusia solely inhabit the vegetated littoral zone in Lakes Waikare and Taharoa?

As Gambusia are both light and heat attracted, can modifications to Gee minnow traps including

these features increase capture rate?

Are DLG less apt to enter a minnow trap?

Problems:

Gambusia may still reproduce in numbers sufficient to have an impact.

Gambusia distribute to 9m depths in Kai Iwi requiring traps set over a wider area.

Common bully may enter traps.

DLG may enter traps if trialled in Lakes Waikare and Taharoa (although Pingram found they did not).


Trialling control methods are best done in Lake Kai Iwi as there are no DLG.

Use heat and light as an attractant.

Trial flow as an attractant as it may be possible to “vacuum up” large numbers of fish if it does prove

successful.

Trail brown bread baits.

Trial daytime only trapping in lakes with DLG as it is understood adult DLG are absent from the

shallows during the day.

Combine any de-stocking of trout in Lake Waikare with Gambusia control to minimise pressures on

DLG.

2.7 Supporting studies

Depending on the availability of funding and the potential for involving PHD and Masters students, there

are also a number of supporting studies which could be incorporated into the overall study design.

These could include exploring the potential for translocating DLG to establish a new population in a lake

which has no Gambusia or trout. This will provide an additional refuge for the species should the

populations in the Kai Iwi Lakes fail.

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It would also be advantageous to monitor changes in the populations of other species, particularly the

eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii and Anguilla australis) and koura (Paranephrops) (Gee & Franklin 2017).

This could be undertaken annually using gill or fyke netting for the eels and bundles of bracken fern

(after the method of Kusabs & Quinn 2009) for the koura to record catch per unit effort (Gee & Franklin

2017). This monitoring could be undertaken by local iwi who have an interest in harvesting these species

and a desire to exercises their mana whenua status over the Lakes.

3 Timetable

By December 2017 it is hoped to have completed working with the various parties involved to agree on:

A monitoring programme for 2018 – including the scope, who will undertake it and how it will be

funded.

A final design for the study.

4 Funding

This research will be undertaken collaboratively by Te Kuihi and Te Roroa (local iwi), Kaipara District

Council, Northland Fish and Game Council, Northland Regional Council and the Department of

Conservation with each contributing as they are able and in accordance with their strengths and

statutory obligations. Contributions may be in cash or in kind. In addition, external funding shall also

be sought as will collaborative arrangements with research institutes and education providers such as

NorthTec.

5 Presentation

Study results are to be made available to all parties as they become available.

A written annual report on monitoring results and the progress of the study is to be prepared, circulated

to all parties and made available to the public. This could be combined with the regular lake reporting

currently undertaken by the Northland Regional Council.

The results of the study are to be presented within five years as a written report outlining the findings

and recommendations for future monitoring, management actions and study.

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6 References

Allen, P.J., Turner, D.J.P. New Zealand (Eds.) 1971: A survey of the Kai iwi Lakes to examine: (a) (b):

The condition of the trout stocks relative to the available food supply; and The suitability of the

lake for an additional food supply for trout (in the form of a forage fish) if necessary, Investigation

report North Island job. Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Service, Wellington, N.Z.

Anon 1973: A survey of Lake Taharoa and Kai-Iwi. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Gee, E. Franklin, P. 2017: Dune lake galaxias in the Kai Iwi Lakes: Review of status and development

of a long term monitoring plan (No. 2017 HN). NIWA.

Kaipara District Council 2016: Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan. Kaipara

District Council.

Ian A Kusabs, Brendan J. Hicks, John M Quinn (in press). Adaptation of a traditional Māori harvest

method for quantitative sampling of crayfish (kōura; Paranephrops planifrons) and small benthic

fish (Gobiomorphus spp.) in New Zealand streams. In press.

Kusabs, I. A., Quinn, J. M. 2009: Use of a traditional Maori harvesting method, the tau koura, for

monitoring koura (freshwater crayfish, Paranephrops planifrons) in Lake Rotoiti, North Island,

New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 43, 713 – 722.

McEwan, A. 2016: Technical review to inform the Kaipara District Council’s Draft Kai Iwi Lakes

Management Plan (No. DOCDM-2759954). Department of Conservation.

Pingram, M.A. 2005: Ecology of freshwater fish in the littoral zone of Lake Waikere, Kai Iwi Lakes,

Northland, New Zealand: for the conservation of the dune lakes galaxias (Galaxias sp.) Masters

Thesis, University of Otago.

Rowe, D.K. 1998: Management trials to restore dwarf inanga show mosquitofish a threat to native fish.

Water & Atmosphere 6, 10–12.

Rowe, D.K., Champion, P.D., de Winton, M.D. 1999: Lake management trials for dwarf inanga (Galaxias

gracilis) and a rare plant (Hydatella inconspicua) in Northland dune lakes (No. DOC90202). NIWA.

Rowe, D.K., Chisnall, B.L. 1995: Conservation status of dwarf inanga (Galaxias gracilis) and

recommendations for its future management. NIWA science and technology series. NIWA and

Department of Conservation, Hamilton, NZ.

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